Finding out that his mother had Alzheimer’s disease was a huge blow for Kamal Moumneh.“It was shocking. I didn’t know what it was,” said Mr Moumneh, 46.But joining the Dubai Health Authority Alzheimer’s support group three months ago has greatly helped him to cope with the disease, which was diagnosed in his mother two and a half years ago.“It made a tremendous difference to me because initially I felt alone,” said Mr Moumneh, the founder of an education technology company.“All the resources I’d get were online and it just wasn’t enough.”Psychological support for patients with chronic diseases and their families can significantly help, doctors say.But with the country’s healthcare system continuing to develop, there is more room for resources such as support groups and counselling.Initiatives from patients and families could also be key, experts say.“In my opinion it’s totally underdeveloped,” said Dr Timo Brosig, chief executive of the German Neuroscience Centre, which is developing an Alzheimer’s support group for its patients.
