Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Ways and means to combat Alzheimer's were discussed at a lecture here organized by the Makkah-based Alzheimer's Charitable Society. A large number of Alzheimer's patients and their relatives were in attendance.



The lecture, at  the premises of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was part of the charitable society's efforts to spread awareness about the disease in the Kingdom. It was organized in collaboration with the women's committee of the national assembly for retirees.



Dr. Mohammed Ba Sheikh, consultant of internal medicine, and Dr. Maha Aziz Ata, member of Friends of the Alzheimer's patients, family medicine and consultancy, dwelt at length on ways to prevent the disease.



Ba Sheikh said the society’s aim in launching this awareness program is to raise the public attention about the importance of the disease and its prevalence in Saudi society. He stressed that the disease must be acknowledged. “It’s never too early to start boosting your brain reserves, but whatever your age, there are steps you can take to keep your brain healthy. You can reduce your risk by eating right, exercising, staying mentally and socially active and keeping stress in check. By leading a brain-healthy lifestyle, you may be able to prevent Alzheimer's symptoms and slow down, or even reverse, the process of deterioration.”



In her presentation, Dr. Maha Atta said: “Early diagnosis and treatment can help contain the deterioration of people with Alzheimer's, particularly elderly patients.”



They both confirmed that more specialized centers were needed. Management of patients is also essential, as people with Alzheimer's are in need of a care-giver; it is thus vital to ensure care-givers be properly educated and fully aware of the disease and how it can be treated.