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Abstract

Background: According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people in the UAE aged over 60 years will increase from 4% to 20% of the population by 2050. Given these population predications, I is expected that dementia and other age–related illnesses will significantly increase as the population grows older. There is a lack of research in the region into dementia. Figures on the number of people affected with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Method: In order to carry out the dementia needs assessment we applied qualitative and quantitative methodology. Results: • Dementia is a gray zone between three different sectors namely geriatrics, neurology and psychiatry and responsibilities needs to be addressed. • It was estimated (based on WHO estimates for north Africa and the middle east) around 548 residents in Dubai aged 60 years or more in 2014 had dementia (of which 338 were men and 210 were women). With Dubai’s ageing population, it is clear that these figures are likely to increase in future. • The most common mental disorders identified among the elderly or disabled were depression, stress, and dementia. • As the population grows older, it is essential to establish a diagnostic infrastructure and set up long–term care facilities for the elderly including those with dementia and other degenerative mental health conditions. • The first Dementia and memory clinic in DHA was established on the 8/9/2013. It is based in Al Mizher Primary Health Care Centre and it runs by two Geriatricians. The Clinic is twice per month on Sunday and currently caters for approximately 50 patients. • There is also Alzheimer support group for the caregivers of the patients with all kinds of dementia to provide them with all the information and give them strong support and confidence in dealing with their patients. Recommendations: • Further work is required with primary health care in order to identify patients with undiagnosed dementia. • Further work is undertaken within primary health care to assess disease registries including dementia with the aim of helping GP practices to improve their disease registers. • There is a need for more studies into dementia to confirm and expand on these findings and understand local needs. Recent Publications: • Dr Kadhim Alabady, Sue Green, Euan Williamson, Jenny Wright, Clive Rennie, The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for Norfolk, 2014. • Dr Kadhim Alabady, Update Autism needs assessment for Norfolk and Waveney, 2013, • Mental Health Needs Assessment for Norfolk and Waveney, 2013: Dr Kadhim Alabady, Linda Hillman, Clive Rennie • Kadhim Alabady, Gift Ochiba, Linda Hillman; Dementia needs assessment for Norfolk, UK. • Dr Kadhim Alabady, Suzanne Meredith, Cancer Needs assessment for Norfolk and Waveney, 2015. • Dr Kadhim Alabady Eye Health and Sight Loss Needs Assessment for Norfolk, May 2014. • Dr Kadhim Alabady, Dr Shamsher Diu, Cervical Cytology Screening & Cervical Cancer Assessment report for Norfolk and Waveney, March 2014. • Dr Kadhim Alabady, Stroke needs assessment for Norfolk and Waveney, 2014, • Josh Robotham, Dr Kadhim Alabady, Judy Lomas, Ellie Phillips, Offender Health Profile for Norfolk, Final Report – November 2014.

Biography

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCP – Glasgow). Hold a Doctorate degree in Public Health and Epidemiology, Master degree in Clinical Epidemiology (MSc), Master degree in Public Health (MPH), all from The Netherlands Universities with broad experience driving Research and Development (R&D) strategies and operations. Registered as Epidemiologist Grade A with The Netherlands Epidemiological Society. Has numerous publications in the UK in mental illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Dementia, Autism, COPD, population health, road casualties and others.

E-mail: kalabady@dha.gov.ae