Introduction Dementia prevalence is rising in sub-Saharan Africa due to a combination of factors, including population growth and aging. In resource-constrained settings, such as Northeastern Nigeria, dementia management is challenged by delayed diagnosis and limited specialist care. This study evaluates the burden of dementia and its management at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Maiduguri (FNHM), the only neuropsychiatric facility in Northeastern Nigeria. The study aims to provide insights into current dementia trends and practices and identify key areas for improvement.

Methods A retrospective analysis of patient records at FNPH Maiduguri was conducted, including patients aged 60 and above diagnosed with dementia between 1999 and 2023. Data on patient demographics, dementia subtypes, comorbidities, symptoms, diagnostic investigations, and treatment modalities were analysed.

Results The Available record from the hospital health records register showed that the total number of diagnosed cases of dementia in the FNHM is 1,216 cases with a male predominance (56%). Alzheimer’s disease was the most common subtype (60.5%), followed by vascular dementia (24.5%). Hypertension was the most frequently reported comorbidity (41.6%). Cognitive symptoms, particularly memory loss, were reported in all cases, while behavioural symptoms, such as agitation and hallucinations, were reported in some cases. The most commonly administered treatments included cognitive enhancers (donepezil), supplements (gingko biloba), and non-drug therapies (psychoeducation). However, 70.9% of patients were lost to follow-up, highlighting a critical gap in long-term care.

Conclusion The increasing burden of dementia at the only neuropsychiatric facility in Northeastern Nigeria highlights the urgent need for investments and targeted interventions. Enhancing patient engagement, strengthening follow-up systems, and expanding diagnostic and treatment capacities will improve care outcomes and address the growing demands for dementia management in this underserved region.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding for this work was provided by the Rainwater Charitable Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association to Dr. Mahmoud Bukar Maina.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The study was conducted in full compliance with ethical standards. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Human Research Ethical Review Committee through the Institution's Review Board of the FNHM. The study adhered to strict confidentiality protocols, ensuring all patient information was anonymized and securely handled. All data used were de-identified before analysis.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors