Sidra Medicine has Introduced a Memory Clinic Specifically for Women

Sidra Medicine has Introduced a Memory Clinic Specifically for Women

Sidra Medicine, part of Qatar Foundation (QF), has launched a memory clinic aimed at addressing the unique mental health needs of women aged 60 and above. This new clinic is part of the hospital's broader efforts to expand its wellness and mental health services for women in Qatar.

The clinic serves as a critical resource for women concerned about dementia, offering both preventive measures for maintaining cognitive health and specialized care for those already diagnosed. Operating under Sidra Medicine’s Women’s Mental Health Service, the clinic is private and does not require a referral.

Led by attending physician and psychiatrist Dr. Sami Omer, the memory clinic provides comprehensive and compassionate care for a variety of cognitive issues, with a particular focus on early detection, diagnosis, and management of dementia.

“It’s important to understand that memory loss is not a normal part of aging,” Dr. Omer stated. He emphasized that dementia is a distinct illness separate from the natural aging process and that early intervention can greatly improve outcomes and slow the progression of conditions like dementia.

Research indicates that women are at a higher risk of developing dementia, with up to 40% of cases being preventable. The clinic offers practical strategies to reduce this risk, including personalized guidance on exercise, lifestyle changes, sleep hygiene, and dietary recommendations—all crucial for promoting brain health.

Dr. Omer noted that age is the primary risk factor for dementia, with the risk increasing significantly after age 65. He pointed out that since dementia can take 15-21 years to develop, the ages of 45-60 are ideal for starting preventive measures.