The Dubai dementia support group helping a UAE football legend and others preserve precious memories

Dubai is home to a unique dementia support group called 4get-me-not, which is helping a renowned former UAE football player and others preserve their precious memories. The group was established by Desiree Vlekken in 2013 after witnessing the cognitive decline of her in-laws due to dementia. Vlekken's motivation was driven by her desire to understand the disease and recognize early signs.

Rajab Abdulrahman, a celebrated former midfielder, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2021. Despite the challenges, he continues to enjoy football by watching matches on television and remains a lifelong supporter of Liverpool. Abdulrahman's sister, Hanifa AbuBakar, finds comfort in the support network provided by 4get-me-not, which has helped her father-in-law as well. Abdulrahman still recognizes his friends and exudes warmth when he meets them.

The group's activities include low-intensity sports, art classes, singing, and walks in the park during winter months. These activities are supported by volunteer members who have joined due to their own age-related issues. Arche Gella, a volunteer and qualified nurse, has seen how these meetings bring happiness to her patient, Terry, who suffers from severe Alzheimer's disease and enjoys signing in the group's choir.

As the UAE's population continues to age, support services for seniors are struggling to keep pace with demand. The Emirates and wider Gulf region have one of the fastest ageing populations in the world, but geriatric support services are still lagging behind. The 4get-me-not service relies on volunteers to help at meetings that now take place twice a week, as opposed to every three months in the past.