The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, recently hosted an interactive public event at Education City, in association with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Ministry of Public Health, to address the challenges faced by people in Qatar who suffer from various types of dementia, notably Alzheimer’s disease, and their caregivers.

Presentations were made by Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, chair of geriatrics and long-term care department at HMC; experts from Ehsan, Centre for Empowerment and Elderly Care; researchers from Qatar University; and Rumailah Hospital, part of HMC. Additionally, a moving personal testimony from a participant whose spouse suffers from Alzheimer’s disease was given. Many of those who spoke referred to the need for further focus on research and outreach programmes.
The event ended on an encouraging note, with Dr Walid Qoronfleh, director, Policy and Research at WISH, highlighting the positive collaborative work being undertaken by various stakeholders in Qatar and the efforts being made to engage with the community.