{"id":4851,"date":"2024-09-27T10:36:36","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T07:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sahfy.net\/news\/?p=4851"},"modified":"2024-09-27T10:36:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T07:36:36","slug":"world-alzheimers-month-tackling-alzheimers-in-saudi-arabia-with-global-and-local-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sahfy.net\/news\/?p=4851&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"World Alzheimer\u2019s Month: Tackling Alzheimer\u2019s in Saudi Arabia with Global and Local Efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Saudi Arabia joins the global community in observing World Alzheimer\u2019s Month in September, the focus is on addressing the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer\u2019s disease within the Kingdom. According to the\u00a0Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia<\/a>, the number of Alzheimer\u2019s cases in Saudi Arabia is expected to rise significantly, and emerging treatments will require the urgent development of a global framework, and close collaboration with all stakeholders \u2013 patients, specialists, pharmaceutical industry regulators \u2013 to address the challenges collaboratively.<\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease is an illness that affects millions of people worldwide, with the number of people living with dementia across the world expected to increase up to 139 million in 2050, according to the\u00a0World Health Organization<\/a>. For World Alzheimer\u2019s Month, Dr. Gabrielle Walcott-Bedeau, Assistant Provost, Academic & Student Affairs Associate Professor from the Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Behavioral Science at St. George\u2019s University (SGU)<\/strong>, shares the importance of understanding this neurodegenerative disease and key preventative measures.<\/p>\n

Understanding Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease causes a slow decline in memory, which worsens over time, gradually destroying brain cells. The destruction is caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins, but people with Alzheimer\u2019s may live for over a decade without obvious symptoms.<\/p>\n

As the brain cells die, the disease attacks the area of the brain responsible for memory, so the earliest symptom often noticed is memory loss, especially recent memories.<\/p>\n

A global health concern<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease is more common than many expect. It is responsible for up to 80% of all dementia cases in older adults, affecting over 50 million people globally. The Ministry of Health estimates that Alzheimer\u2019s affects around 130,000 people in the Kingdom, yet awareness about early detection and care remains limited<\/p>\n

Causes and prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite extensive research, the exact cause of Alzheimer\u2019s disease is still not fully understood. However, scientists believe that it is likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.\u00a0\u00a0Several studies have highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle that may reduce the risk or delay the onset of the disease:<\/p>\n