Dubai, UAE: The Dubai Health Authority launched today a 24/7 Alzheimer’s Helpline that will provide reliable information and support to caregivers, healthcare professionals and the public.
The 24/7 Alzheimer’s helpline 056 3710077 will provide information about the disease, medications and treatment options as well as information about how to provide quality care.
The DHA’s Community Centre for the Elderly also announced the launch of monthly Alzheimer’s support group that will take place on the first Thursday of every month.
Ahmed bin Kalban, CEO of Primary Healthcare at the DHA said: “The helpline aims to guide caregivers and families about Alzheimer’s disease and will be able to assist them regarding the support groups that exist in the UAE including the one we have launched.”
Jassem Mohammed Kalban, acting-director of the Community Centre for the Elderly said: “Nearly 70 per cent of our patients suffer from this disease. Presently medications can only slow the pace of deterioration that patients with this condition suffer from.
Therefore the role of caregivers and healthcare professionals is pivotal for timely diagnose and management of this condition. Our aim through this helpline is to be at their service, day or night so that they can better serve Alzheimer’s patients.”
He said that age is the most important risk factor for this disease. “After 65, every five years of ageing, the risk of developing the disease doubles and almost 50 per cent of people aged 85 develop this disease.”
He said symptoms include forgetfulness, isolation, irritability, suspiciousness and loneliness.
Mohammed Gamil Elnoamani, senior geriatrician and head of medical affairs at the Community Centre for the Elderly said: “In addition to this hotline we will also hold a support group known as Friends of Alzheimer’s Patients. The group will meet on the first Thursday of every month to discuss challenges and latest methods of treatment and management of the disease. The support group will be particularly useful for caregivers and family members of patient’s with Alzheimer’s.
He said that those interested can contact the Community Centre for the Elderly on 04-5022810.
About the Dubai Health Authority:
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the Dubai Health Authority and His Excellency Engineer Essa Al Maidoor is the Director-General of the DHA.
The DHA’s aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA’s mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.
In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.
The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff. It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.
Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.
© Press Release 2013
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