Joke Silva, the well-known Nollywood actress and wife of the veteran actor Olu Jacobs, recently shared an update on her husband’s health.
She revealed that he is living with dementia with Lewy bodies, a condition distinct from Alzheimer’s, and stressed the importance of specialized care for the elderly.
According to Silva, treatments for Alzheimer’s and dementia with Lewy bodies are conflicting, and incorrect medication can result in severe reactions.
With the guidance of a geriatrician, they have come to understand the value of specialized care for older adults, especially those in their 70s and 80s.
Initially, comprehending the condition was challenging, but as they gained more knowledge, Olu Jacobs’s condition has shown improvement.
Despite facing significant vision impairment and requiring assistance to navigate his home, physically he remains strong and robust, even participating in arm wrestling with his sons.
While he may occasionally need hospital visits, his overall health is good. In unfamiliar surroundings, he may shuffle, which could be mistaken for a physical problem.
Communication with him involves meeting him at his mental level, and affirming his thoughts instead of correcting him.
Despite his healthy appetite, his body’s fat regulation is lacking, leading to his slender appearance.
Joke Silva first disclosed in November 2021 that Olu Jacobs was battling dementia with Lewy body, explaining his occasional absence from public events like the Africa International Film Festival Awards (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, she discussed the challenges they have faced due to his condition.
Recently, false rumors about Olu Jacobs’s passing circulated on social media, prompting Silva to address and refute the misinformation for the second time.
