Lakshmi Kothaneth -
Muscat, Sept 20 -
The Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, in collaboration with the Omani Association of Alzheimer’s Disease, organised the second national symposium to mark the World Alzheimer’s Day, which falls on Thursday (September 21).
The hospital was represented by the Department of Behavioural Medicine.
The symposium, held on Wednesday, was aimed at raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of a healthy lifestyle to prevent the disease. The meeting brought together a large group of specialists.
Dr Hamed al Sinawi, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and chairman of Omani Alzheimer’s Society, dwelt on Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms and the role of memory clinic in evaluating patients and providing therapeutic services.
Dr Munther al Muqbali, a psychiatrist at Sohar Hospital, spoke about the psychological effects of caring for Alzheimer’s patients. Mosa al Fari conducted a panel discussion with a group of caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients and talked about their personal experiences in caring for patients in various stages of the disease and the challenges they face.
Ingrid Andersson of the Al Harub Medical Center, in her presentation, highlighted the various models of care for Alzheimer’s patients in developed countries and the role of modern technology.
Dr Ahmed al Farsi presented a poem reflecting the feelings of Alzheimer’s patient and the experiences he goes through.
Omani Association of Friends of the Elderly, the South Batinah Group and the Oman Parental Care Team displayed education materials on Alzheimer’s and the models of equipment needed for providing daily care for the patients.
Latest statistics indicate the total number of people suffering from dementia worldwide in 2015 is 46.8 million. The number is expected to reach 74.7 million by 2030. Therefore, most countries have developed a strategic plan to diagnose and care for patients.
The Sultan Qaboos University Hospital seeks to enhance its role in the provision of health care for the elderly, specifically in the area of dementia and old age.
This role is reflected in the services provided by the psychiatric team for the elderly in the clinic of memory diseases, diagnosis and treatment of cases, improving community awareness about these diseases and finding out the causes of dementia and the optimal methods of treatment and care.
Since its inception, the association has played a significant role in raising community awareness about the disease and the needs of patients and caregivers by participating in various events and holding lectures and seminars for medical personnel to introduce Alzheimer’s disease and the latest scientific findings in this field.
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