SARA AL ZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Strategic efforts in healthcare innovation and policy development position the UAE as a leader in tackling Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, specialists told Aletihad on the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day on Sunday.
The experts also emphasised the importance of sustained awareness efforts to normalise conversations around the disease and encourage early screening. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that gradually impairs one’s memory, thinking, and, eventually, one’s ability to do everyday tasks.
“The disease typically begins with mild memory lapses and confusion but advances over time, leading to severe cognitive decline and loss of independence,” explained Dr. Hanan Sheikh Ibrahim, Staff Physician for Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
"It’s the main cause of dementia, which affects more than 55 million people globally, added Stuart Merrifield, Business Unit Head for Neuroscience at Lilly META.
“[Dementia] is a rising global health issue with profound social and economic consequences, including an economic burden projected to reach globally $4.7 trillion by 2030,” he said.
In the UAE, there have been strategic efforts to advance policy dialogue, accelerate innovation, and build integrated models of care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This has been highlighted in a recent report by Economist Impact, commissioned by Lilly, which was launched during the recent Brain Conference held in Abu Dhabi, Merrifield said.
“According to the report, the UAE’s leadership in healthcare innovation is underscored by its proactive stance on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease… By building on these efforts… the UAE is not only strengthening its own resilience but also setting an example for Alzheimer’s care,” he noted.
“Initiatives such as the Emirati Genome Programme, partnerships with global health organisations, and the development of national dementia frameworks reflect the UAE’s vision to lead by example,” he continued.
Its ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and resilience position the UAE as a regional and global leader in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related neurological conditions, Merrifield said.
Addressing the Stigma
Besides policy and innovation, tackling Alzheimer’s disease also requires awareness efforts, especially since “people [still] face stigmatisation related to misconceptions of dementia”, with some avoiding social situations as a result, Merrifield said.
Based on the experience of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, however, there has been an increase in awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, said Dr. Ibrahim.
“Families from across the UAE and neighbouring countries now turn to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for comprehensive Alzheimer’s care,” she said.
The Emirates Neurology Society is one of the organisations that have been working towards raising public awareness, which could then translate into improved early diagnosis rates.
Dr. Suhail Abdulla Alrukn, Consultant Neurologist and President of the Emirates Neurology Society, said that beyond shaping a more informed community, it is also important to “train primary care teams with the latest tools, establish memory clinics with multidisciplinary teams, support caregivers through family programmes, and expand services via civil society and private sector partnerships.”
Neurologists, he added, can contribute to regional Alzheimer’s policies by providing data, setting protocols, training teams, advising authorities, and leading research.
For families, Dr. Alrukn offered a reminder to closely monitor a loved one’s signs of “forgetfulness”.
“If you notice persistent cognitive decline, personality changes, or difficulty with daily tasks, see a doctor immediately; do not assume it is ‘normal forgetfulness’,” he said.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and making note-taking a habit can further reduce dementia risk and improve care, Dr. Alrukn said.
Early Diagnosis and Preventative Tools
Caring for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease has been evolving with advances in treatment and technology, Dr. Alrukn said.
“Advances in digital tools, imaging, and biomarkers are enabling earlier diagnosis, while emerging disease-modifying therapies demand precise patient selection and strong infrastructure,” he said.
“Smart support apps and hybrid care models that combine centres, home support, and telemedicine are also easing the burden on patients and caregivers.”
At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, for example, genomic profiling and blood-based biomarker testing have been introduced as part of a preventative and diagnostic toolkit.
Dr. Ibrahim explained that while there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, “a brain-healthy lifestyle” with regular exercise, a balanced diet, mental stimulation, social activity, and managing chronic conditions can reduce risk or delay onset.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi supports this with risk assessments, genomic screening, and tailored lifestyle education.
Explaining the treatment, she said: “There are many therapies available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life… [These include] medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine… combined with non-pharmacological strategies… Treatment is most effective when it is tailored to the individual.”
Dr. Ibrahim added that Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers infusion-based disease-modifying therapies and brain plasticity programmes.
“[The hospital] provides a one-stop brain health clinic with streamlined assessments and a multidisciplinary approach, and it is the first in Abu Dhabi to offer Amyloid PET Brain Imaging for dementia diagnosis.”