The first community engagement event of an extensive programme in raising awareness about dementia was held recently in Education City.
The event was part of a programme by Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Department of Geriatrics and the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) to evaluate the increasing effects and growing challenges of dementia on Qatari society.
“Although developing a holistic approach to care delivery is important, it is essential for communities and families to understand what dementia is and how to seek professional support,” said Dr Hanadi Alhamad, Chairperson of Geriatrics at HMC and WHO Focal Point for the Global Dementia Observatory.
“When we started the HMC’s memory clinic in 2013, for six months there were no patients. But due to awareness, now there are more than 200 patients visiting our outpatient clinics. We have early detection, treatment and follow up for people with dementia, and it helps to control their condition,” she said.
According to Dr Alhamad most people are diagnosed with dementia are around the age of 80 but some rare cases are found at an age of 50.
Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or a series of strokes. Dementia is not a specific disease but an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, behaviour or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.
Creating awareness about dementia becomes mandatory for Qatar as it’s a member of WHO’s Global Dementia Observatory.
"Qatar is determined to lead on the issue of dementia. The Ministry of Public Health and healthcare providers are involved in creating a national dementia strategy,” said Egbert Schillings, CEO of WISH.
He also said that in December policy makers of WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region will convene in Doha to discuss about dementia and how to address challenges faced in treating patients.
