MUSCAT : Among the key recommendations was the call to establish a national centre dedicated to the treatment and care of Alzheimer’s patients in Oman.

The forum also recommended the development of a comprehensive national guide for Alzheimer’s treatment, the adoption of unified diagnostic and treatment protocols based on scientific evidence, and the promotion of a coordinated, multisectoral approach to elderly care.

Organised by the Higher Institute for Health Specialties in cooperation with the Oman Geriatric Society, the one-day event brought together a select group of experts in Alzheimer’s disease, healthcare, nutrition, and medical research. The forum aimed to foster dialogue and formulate actionable strategies to address the growing impact of the disease in Oman.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation, and patron of the event, highlighted the importance of building an integrated system involving both public and private sectors to support the elderly. He emphasized the role of such partnerships in delivering comprehensive health, social, and support services to meet the diverse needs of this demographic.

Dr. Saleha bint Ali Al Jadidi, Chair of the Forum’s Organizing Committee and Chair of the Oman Geriatric Society, described the forum as a national partnership between educational and social institutions. She noted that it marks the beginning of practical efforts to develop national plans and recommendations in the field of Alzheimer’s care and prevention. She also pointed out that Al-Masarra Hospital was the first institution in Oman to launch a guide for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Al Jadidi referenced a World Health Organization report estimating that around 55 million people currently live with Alzheimer’s disease worldwide—a number expected to reach 150 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s is now the seventh leading cause of death globally and a major cause of disability and loss of independence among the elderly.

Sessions during the forum addressed the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, examined evidence-based treatment strategies, and explored advances in diagnosis, care, and prevention.
In its final recommendations, the forum also called for increased investment in scientific research, the creation of a national database to track Alzheimer’s cases, and collaboration with international research institutions to exchange expertise and data.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.