Geriatrics conference calls for Alzheimer’s care

MUSCAT: The fourth conference on Geriatrics and Gerontology has called for a unified national programme to provide comprehensive healthcare for older people, alongside a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and its prevention.
The conference, which concluded in Muscat, also recommended training healthcare workers in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and strengthening scientific research in geriatrics and dementia care.
Organised by the Oman Geriatric Society in cooperation with the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB), the conference was held under the theme ‘Bridging the Gap Between Science and Care in Alzheimer’s Disease.’
It examined the latest scientific developments in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease, improving integrated care for affected individuals and strengthening collaboration among healthcare professionals to enhance services for older people.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Regulation.
Addressing the conference, Dr Salha bint Ali al Jadidi, President of the Omani Association for the Health of the Elderly, highlighted the importance of keeping pace with scientific and professional advances in geriatric medicine. The event brought together specialists and experts from Oman, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
She noted that the global population aged 60 and above was estimated at approximately 800 million, with projections indicating that the figure could reach two billion by 2050, according to World Health Organization estimates cited at the conference.
The growing elderly population presents significant health and social challenges, particularly in managing chronic illnesses and dementia. The number of people living with dementia worldwide is estimated at around 55 million and is projected to exceed 170 million by 2050.
Al Jadidi emphasised that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and affects not only patients but also their families and caregivers, creating considerable health, social and economic challenges. She called for greater emphasis on prevention, early detection and integrated care.
She also outlined national efforts to strengthen services for older people through early detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation programmes for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as support for caregivers.
Established in 2021 under the umbrella of the Omani Medical Association, with approval from the Ministry of Social Development, the Omani Association for the Health of the Elderly works to improve the physical, psychological and social well-being of older people, encourage their social participation, promote health awareness and support scientific research.
The conference addressed four main themes: identifying Alzheimer’s disease and its early symptoms; advances in diagnosis and treatment; comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for patients; and the psychological and social challenges faced by families and caregivers.
Discussions also covered the importance of distinguishing normal age-related cognitive changes from symptoms requiring medical intervention, applying scientific evidence in clinical decisions and managing behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia.
Participants highlighted the need for closer coordination among medicine, nursing, mental health, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social services to improve care, safeguard patients’ dignity and enhance their quality of life.
The conference also stressed the importance of developing psychological and social support programmes, strengthening health education and creating supportive environments for families and caregivers.
Held under the slogan ‘A Bridge Linking Science and Care in Alzheimer’s Disease’, the fourth edition underscored the importance of translating scientific advances into clinical practice and improving support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. - ONA