World Alzheimer’s Day event focuses on issues faced by people with disease and their families
The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), is hosting a public event titled ‘Discussing Alzheimer’s’, which will explore the issues faced by people with Alzheimer’s disease, its prevalence in Qatar, and the support offered to sufferers and their caregivers. The public event will take place on 21 September, from 10 am to 12:30 pm in Al AaQool Hall at Qatar Foundation’s Recreation Center in Education City.
Hosted by WISH, an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), the event coincides with World Alzheimer’s Day and will come at the end of a week of Alzheimer’s-related activities organised by HMC. It will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and caregivers of people with the disease. Following a welcome by Sultana Afdhal, Acting CEO of WISH, and Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, Chair of Geriatrics and Long-term Care Department at HMC, specialists from HMC will give practical demonstrations of methods used to diagnose the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and involves progressive damage to the brain. The word ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, and language. Sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease may also experience changes in mood or behaviour.
WISH’s research on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will be presented by Dr Walid Qoronfleh, Director of Research and Policy at WISH, while a representative from Ehsan, the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care, will speak on the subject of family and community support.
Speaking ahead of the event, Sultana Afdhal said that WISH’s research into Alzheimer’s and dementia highlights the need to take a holistic approach to patient care and to involve all stakeholders in discussions relating to the disease wherever possible. He said that they look forward to hearing many different viewpoints during the event.
For more information about World Alzheimer’s Day event in Qatar, visit the WISH website at wish-qatar.org.