National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services helpline records over 5000 interactions – The Peninsula

National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services helpline records over 5000 interactions – The Peninsula

Doha: The National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services helpline, ‘Raha’ celebrates its second anniversary in May this year. So far it has managed over 5,000 interactions.

The service has developed over the past two years into an invaluable resource for families caring for someone who has memory loss or cognitive decline as a result of a major illness or Alzheimer’s disease. The ‘Raha’ helpline was launched in May 2020 as part of a strategic commitment to improving the care of people with memory loss that may or may not be related to Alzheimer’s disease.

National Lead for Healthy Ageing for the Qatar Ministry of Public Health (National Health Strategy 2018–2022) and Chairperson of the Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad explained the need for this service and said, “Memory loss and dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia, can be hugely challenging for the individual experiencing associated symptoms and their carers, who are often family members.

“The ‘Raha’ service has been a real lifeline for many people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the time the helpline was established until now, the team has managed over 5,000 telephone interactions with