Abu Dhabi forum urges connected Alzheimer’s care pathways to turn science into patient benefit
Policymakers, clinicians and patient representatives at an Abu Dhabi event called for integrated Alzheimer’s disease pathways so earlier detection leads to sustained care and support.
Regional dialogue at Abu Dhabi Brain Conference stresses continuity of care
Policymakers, neurologists and primary care clinicians from across the Gulf met in Abu Dhabi to press for joined-up Alzheimer’s disease services that translate recent scientific advances into tangible benefits for patients and families. The Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum GCC event was organised by Lilly Gulf and hosted by the Emirates International Neurological Sciences Society on the sidelines of the 6th Abu Dhabi Brain Conference.
Participants reviewed whether current healthcare routes are prepared to identify people earlier, provide accurate diagnosis and maintain care across the course of the disease. They agreed that isolated clinics or standalone services are insufficient: Alzheimer’s develops along a continuum and health systems must respond in kind.
Key elements for a connected pathway
The discussion set out five priority areas for health authorities and providers to consider when strengthening policy and services:
1. Make brain health an integral part of healthy ageing policy, so cognitive wellbeing is embedded in population health planning.
2. Define the care pathway clearly and assign responsibility at every stage, ensuring patients know where to go and who leads their care.
3. Develop diagnostic capacity and care models together, aligning infrastructure and workforce training with referral systems.
4. Measure outcomes that matter to patients and families rather than relying solely on traditional clinical metrics.
5. Recognise caregivers as integral to the pathway, with practical and emotional supports incorporated into service design.
Professor Suhail Al Rukn, President of the Emirates Neurology Society, said the healthcare response must mirror the connected journey experienced by patients and families. Earlier recognition, he argued, must lead to accurate diagnosis and onward access to appropriate care and continued support, underpinned by clear clinical standards and defined referral pathways.
The forum also heard from Leena Aziz, Senior Director and Head of Corporate and Government Affairs at Lilly Gulf (UAE, Kuwait and Qatar), who emphasised that laboratory progress needs system-level preparedness. She said a person should not become lost between recognising a concern, receiving a diagnosis and accessing ongoing care, and that collaboration with health authorities and clinical communities is essential to build those connections.
More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, most commonly due to Alzheimer’s disease. Delegates noted that Abu Dhabi’s investment in prevention, diagnostics, clinical excellence and research offers a valuable setting to pilot integrated approaches and that regional cooperation can speed learning across markets.
The event concluded with a call to move from awareness to implementation: defining pathways, strengthening professional capabilities, measuring patient-centred outcomes and ensuring earlier diagnosis opens the door to sustained care and support.
Source: WAM