Hamad Medical Corporation will hold an awareness event on Thursday to mark World Alzheimer's Month and raise awareness of early diagnosis and support for people living with dementia.
An HMC press statement said the event will take place at Al Rumailah Hospital from 08:00 to 13:00 and will give members of the public an opportunity to meet a multidisciplinary medical team and learn about services available to patients with Alzheimer's disease.
This year's campaign is being held under the global theme, "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters." Information stands will cover dementia, brain health, early diagnosis and potentially modifiable risk factors, while members of HMC's multidisciplinary dementia care team will be available to answer questions.
A further public exhibition will be held on September 21 to mark World Alzheimer's Day.
The statement highlighted the services provided by HMC's Memory Clinics and multidisciplinary teams that include specialist assessment, diagnosis and care for people experiencing memory changes and dementia. Assessments include medical and cognitive evaluations, along with investigations to identify the causes of symptoms and develop an appropriate care plan.
Professor Hanadi Al Hamad, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics and Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital, said early diagnosis was important to ensure patients and their families receive appropriate assessment, care and support in a timely manner.
She also highlighted the importance of brain health and reducing modifiable risk factors to help lower the risk of dementia and maintain cognitive abilities and independence for as long as possible.
Where clinically appropriate, advanced biological investigations and disease-modifying biological treatments may be considered for carefully selected patients who meet established eligibility criteria, following specialist assessment and an individual risk-benefit evaluation.
HMC's RAHA Alzheimer's and Memory Services Helpline is available on 4026 2222, from Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 to 15:00, providing information and support to people and families throughout their dementia care journey.
HMC has advised people to support brain health by staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, managing blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, and remaining mentally and socially active. It also recommends seeking medical advice for persistent changes in memory or thinking, as early assessment can help identify the underlying cause and ensure appropriate care and support.
