MUSCAT, SEPT 5
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can help patients access treatment sooner, maintain independence for longer and allow families to plan for their future, Dr Hamed al Sinawi, Chairman of the Oman Alzheimer’s Society, has said.
The comments came during a discussion session organised by the Oman Alzheimer’s Society’s Purple Cafe for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
September is observed as World Alzheimer’s Month. The official theme for 2026 is “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.”
Speaking to Observer, Dr Al Sinawi said September is dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, which affect more than 55 million people worldwide.
He stressed that a timely diagnosis is particularly important for people experiencing memory problems.
“Early diagnosis brings with it several benefits. First of all, it gives a name to a condition that the family sees when they notice disturbed behaviour,” he said.
Families may see a loved one becoming confused, failing to recognise relatives or behaving differently. In some cultures, such changes may be attributed to supernatural causes or viewed as difficult behaviour, leading families to seek help from traditional healers rather than medical professionals, he noted.
Early diagnosis can also enable patients to benefit from available medications that may slow disease progression and improve quality of life. It can help people remain capable of managing daily activities independently for longer, reducing the burden on caregivers.
Dr Al Sinawi also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis in protecting a person's financial rights. As Alzheimer’s progresses, a person may eventually have difficulty understanding the value of money and managing financial transactions.
Timely diagnosis can also help reduce stigma and encourage families to seek appropriate medical support. It gives patients and their families more time to explore treatment, care options and future planning.
The Purple Cafe discussion featured two speakers from Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Innova Mental Health Clinic.
Dr Ghadeer al Nuaimi spoke about managing difficult behaviour in people living with Alzheimer’s, while Dr Qutoof al Kindi addressed the mental-health challenges faced by caregivers.
As Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, patients generally require increasing levels of care as the disease advances. Dr Al Nuaimi emphasised the importance of maintaining emotional connection as cognitive abilities decline.
“When cognition declines, connection becomes even more important,” she said.
She also encouraged caregivers to reflect on their own behaviour and responses. Caregivers may adopt different approaches, including being calm and validating, anxious, critical, overprotective or avoidant.
Dr Al Kindi focused on the emotional pressures experienced by caregivers, including guilt, frustration and exhaustion.
“We feel guilty about feeling frustrated,” she said, stressing the importance of recognising emotional reactions and monitoring one's mental energy.
She encouraged caregivers to identify situations that trigger stress and to acknowledge their changing emotions rather than ignoring them.
The discussions highlighted that caring for a person with Alzheimer’s involves not only supporting the patient but also protecting the wellbeing of those providing care.
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