Tribune News Network
Doha
Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has opened a Memory Clinic dedicated to addressing the unique mental health needs of women, aged 60 and above. The launch of the clinic is part of the hospital’s strategic expansion of its range of wellness and mental health services for women in Qatar.
The Memory Clinic serves as a vital resource for women concerned about dementia, offering both preventative measures for those seeking to maintain cognitive health and specialised care for those already diagnosed. The private clinic is under Sidra Medicine’s Women’s Mental Health Service and does not require a referral. Led by Dr Sami Omer, attending physician and psychiatrist, the Memory Clinic offers comprehensive and compassionate care for a range of cognitive concerns, with a particular focus on the early detection, diagnosis and management of dementia.
“It’s important to understand that memory loss is not a normal part of aging,” Dr Sami said. “There’s a clear distinction between the natural aging process and dementia, which is an illness. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of memory loss, we strongly recommend seeking professional help. Early intervention allows for timely treatment and management strategies, which can significantly improve outcomes and potentially slow the progression of conditions like dementia.”
With research suggesting that women are at a higher risk of developing dementia, with up to 40 percent of dementia cases are preventable, the Memory Clinic implements practical strategies for reducing risk. This includes personalised guidance on exercise, lifestyle modifications, sleep hygiene and dietary recommendations, all crucial factors in promoting brain health.
“The primary risk factor for dementia is age,” explained Dr Sami. “The risk of dementia at the age of 65 is around 1.5 percent. This doubles every five years after the age of 65, reaching 30 percent by age 90. Because dementia can take 15 to 21 years to develop, the ages of 45 to 60 are an ideal time to start focusing on prevention.”
Dr Zainab Imam, division chief of Women’s Mental Health at Sidra Medicine, said: “At our Memory Clinic, we are dedicated to supporting families navigating the challenges of dementia care. We offer practical tips, expert guidance and ongoing support, empowering them to provide compassionate and effective care for their loved ones. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for both individuals living with dementia and their families.” For details and updates about the Memory Clinic, contact our Mental health Services team anytime between 7am to 7pm from Sunday to Thursday at +974 4003 3333.
