Rethinking how we age: why brain health matters
Conversations about healthy ageing often focus on the heart, mobility and the management of chronic conditions, leaving out the organ that shapes our memories, relationships, decisions and independence: the brain. That needs to change. Preserving cognitive health and quality of life should be just as central to how we approach ageing well. The scale of the challenge is considerable. According to…
Healthy ageing is often associated with physical well-being, but cognitive health is equally vital. The World Health Organisation reports that 57 million individuals globally are living with dementia, a figure expected to rise as populations age. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form, accounts for a significant portion of these cases.
Prof. Suhail Al Rukn, President of the Emirates Neurology Society, and Shady Ibrahim, Executive Medical Director at Eli Lilly & Company (Lilly Gulf), emphasize the importance of integrating brain health into discussions about ageing well. Recognising and addressing cognitive decline is hindered by societal silence. Symptoms may be overlooked or attributed to normal ageing, particularly due to fear or uncertainty about seeking help.
However, persistent or progressive cognitive changes warrant professional assessment, not self-diagnosis. Alzheimer's not only impacts the individual diagnosed but also their families and caregivers, who face emotional, physical, and financial challenges. In the UAE and Gulf region, scientific advancements in Alzheimer's research present opportunities but also require responsibility.
While new treatments are promising, they must be individually tailored. The region has the chance to integrate brain health into its future by promoting public education, enhancing professional awareness, improving diagnostic capabilities, and enhancing care coordination. To make brain health a priority, the UAE should adopt a national brain health policy, implement early detection programmes, and establish memory and neurodegenerative care centres across emirates.
Families and healthcare professionals need support to initiate conversations, while communities must combat stigma. Ultimately, healthy ageing encompasses more than lifespan; it includes the ability to maintain connections and enjoy life's experiences. Brain health should be a central theme in discussions about ageing well.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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