Doha, Qatar Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is organising an awareness event on Thursday, September 10 from 8am to 1pm, at Al Rumailah Hospital to mark World Alzheimer’s Month. The event will provide the opportunity for direct interaction between the public and a multidisciplinary medical team to highlight the services available to patients with Alzheimer’s.
The World Alzheimer’s Month campaign at HMC will be held this year under the global theme of “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters”, and will include information stands covering dementia, brain health, early diagnosis, and potentially modifiable risk factors. Members of the multidisciplinary dementia care team will be available to engage with visitors. A further public exhibition will be held on World Alzheimer’s Day, celebrated on Monday September 21.
HMC provides specialised services for assessment, diagnosis and care of people living with memory changes and dementia through its Memory Clinics and multidisciplinary teams. Assessments include medical and cognitive assessment and the necessary investigations to identify symptoms and develop an appropriate care plan for each patient. Alzheimer’s is one of the most common forms of dementia, and can result from various causes and health conditions, making specialised assessment an important step in identifying the factors that determine the appropriate intervention.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital, Professor Hanadi Al Hamad (pictured) explained: “Early diagnosis of dementia is a vital step in ensuring that patients and their families receive the appropriate assessment, care, and support in a timely manner. Taking care of brain health and reducing modifiable risk factors can also decrease the risk of developing dementia and maintaining cognitive abilities and independence for the longest possible time”.
Where clinically appropriate, advanced biological investigations and disease-modifying biological treatments may be considered for carefully selected patients who meet established eligibility criteria, following comprehensive specialist assessment and an individual risk-benefit evaluation.
HMC also provides the RAHA Alzheimer’s and Memory Services Helpline available on 4026 2222 from Sunday to Thursday, from 8am to 3pm, to provide information and support for people and families throughout their dementia care journey.
HMC encourages everyone to take steps to support their brain health, including staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, managing blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding smoking and staying mentally and socially active. HMC also encourages people to seek medical support if they notice persistent changes in memory or thinking, as early assessment can help identify the underlying cause and ensure appropriate care and support.
