Fourth geriatrics conference calls for Alzheimer’s care improvements

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 26, 2026

Muscat hosted the fourth Geriatrics and Gerontology conference, where experts called for improved Alzheimer’s care and increased awareness to address the needs of Oman’s growing elderly population. The event emphasized creating a national healthcare programme, enhancing professional training, and launching public campaigns to better manage age-related diseases amid rising demographic challenges.

Muscat hosted the fourth conference on Geriatrics and Gerontology, which concluded with calls for enhanced care and awareness efforts targeting Alzheimer’s disease and the broader needs of the elderly population in Oman. The event was organised by the Oman Geriatric Society in collaboration with the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) and focused on bridging scientific research with practical care in Alzheimer’s treatment.

Held under the theme “Bridging the Gap Between Science and Care in Alzheimer’s Disease,” the conference brought together healthcare professionals and experts from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Discussions centered on the latest advances in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s, improving integrated care models for affected individuals, and strengthening cooperation among healthcare providers to better serve older adults.

A key recommendation from the conference was the establishment of a unified national programme offering comprehensive healthcare services for older people. Delegates also advocated for a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and its prevention. Additionally, the training of healthcare workers in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of Alzheimer’s was highlighted as essential to improving patient outcomes.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Regulation. Dr. Salha bint Ali al Jadidi, President of the Omani Association for the Health of the Elderly, emphasized the significance of staying aligned with ongoing scientific and professional advancements within geriatric medicine.

Citing World Health Organization estimates, Dr. al Jadidi noted that the global population of individuals aged 60 and over currently stands at approximately 800 million and is expected to rise to two billion by 2050. This demographic trend poses considerable health and social challenges, particularly related to the management of chronic diseases and dementia, underscoring the urgency and importance of the conference’s focus.

The discussions and recommendations aim to inform future policies and initiatives in Oman to better address the needs of its aging population and improve care quality for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related health issues.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.