DHA holds Alzheimer's support group meeting.

Families of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias encouraged to join support group.

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, November 12, 2013: The DHA's Family Gathering Centre that provides comprehensive care for elderly patients, recently held the fifth consecutive Alzheimer's support group meeting.

The meeting is held on the first Thursday of every month and its aim is to provide emotional, educational, and social support for family and friends of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.

The meeting was attended by more than 50 UAE nationals and expatriate family members who travelled from different Emirates to take part in the discussion about challenges and methods to manage the disease. They exchanged experiences regarding the problems they are facing and discussed coping strategies to ensure they provide best possible care to family members who are suffering from this disease. Patients with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias suffer from memory and cognitive deterioration, aggressiveness, abnormal behaviour, suspiciousness, insomnia and incontinence and caregivers discussed tips on how to deal with these issues.

Jassem Mohammed Kalban, acting-director of the Family Gathering Centre said: “ Alzheimer's is a disease which takes its toll on patients and caregivers and one of the biggest struggles caregivers face is dealing with the difficult behaviours of the person they are caring for. The support group is particularly useful for caregivers, friends and family members of patient's with Alzheimer's as they can share their experience and provide much-needed emotional and social support.”

Mohammed Gamil Elnoamani, senior geriatrician and head of medical affairs at the Family Gathering Centre said: “ Support groups are particularly important for this disease because presently there is still no curative therapy available. Medications can only slow the pace of deterioration and therefore  coping strategies and behavioural therapies are the cornerstone in dealing with this disease. Therefore the role of caregivers and healthcare professionals is pivotal for timely diagnose and management of this condition. Our aim through the support group is to provide emotional, educational, and social support for family and friends of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias so that they can better serve Alzheimer's patients.”

He said that nearly 70 per cent of patients at the Family Gathering Centre for the elderly suffer from this disease.  “After 65 years, every five years of ageing, the risk of developing the disease doubles and almost 50 per cent of people aged 85 develop this disease. However, so many family members do not recognise the first signs of this disease because the symptoms are similar to those associated with ageing.”

He said symptoms include forgetfulness, isolation, irritability, suspiciousness and loneliness.

A pilot study undertaken by the centre showed that of the 160 respondents above the age of 65, 16 per cent have from some  symptoms of Alzheimer's and only 12 per cent were currently seeking treatment. “ This study highlights the lack of awareness about the disease and the need for more public outreach and awareness initiatives.”

He said the centre  launched a 24/7 Alzheimer's Helpline  in June this year that  provides reliable information and support to caregivers, healthcare professionals and the public and so far the hotline has received several calls on a daily basis, including many international calls.

The 24/7 Alzheimer's helpline (056 3710077)  provides information about the disease, medications and treatment options as well as information about how to provide quality care.

He said that those interested can contact the Community Centre for the Elderly on 04-5022810