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Dementia in Qatar.
Ahmad I Hamad1, Mohammed A Ibrahim, Essa M Sulaiti
1Department of Neurology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar. aehamad@yahoo.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|February 6, 2004
Summary
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common dementia subtype in Qatar, more prevalent than vascular dementia (VaD). Late medical help-seeking is common due to beliefs about normal aging.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Dementia poses a significant global health challenge, particularly among the elderly.
- There is a lack of data on dementia subtypes in Arabic countries.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding dementia epidemiology in Qatar.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of different dementia subtypes among the Qatari population.
- To provide initial data on dementia in an underrepresented region.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based retrospective and prospective study (June 1997-June 2003) reviewed 134 dementia patients.
- Diagnosis followed DSM-IV criteria, with multidisciplinary evaluation (psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, geriatrician).
- Neuroimaging (CT, MRI) and blood tests were performed for classification.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer disease (AD) was the most frequent subtype (39%, n=29%).
- Vascular dementia (VaD) was the second most common (22%, n=30).
- Mixed AD and VaD (15%) and Parkinson's disease with dementia (6%) were also identified.
Conclusions:
- Alzheimer disease is more prevalent than vascular dementia in this Qatari cohort.
- Late presentation for medical care is a barrier, often attributed to viewing cognitive decline as normal aging.
- Early diagnosis of dementia subtypes is crucial for effective management and intervention planning.