- The novel FDA-approved medication treatment is ideal for patients with mild cognitive impairment and early onset of the disease.
- SSMC is Abu Dhabi’s first hospital to secure and provide this breakthrough medication for Alzheimer’s patients in the country.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care and a joint-venture partnership between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Mayo Clinic, has diagnosed an elderly couple with Alzheimer’s disease and placed them on a novel Food and Drug Administration – approved medication. SSMC is Abu Dhabi’s first hospital to secure and provide this breakthrough medication, which reduces the progression of the neurological disorder by working with the body’s immune system to clear amyloid protein buildup from the brain.
The SSMC patients, a husband and his wife, who are both 68 years old, were brought to the hospital by their son who remarked that they exhibited unusual neurological symptoms, such as repetitive forgetfulness. Dr. Ahmed Shatila, neurology consultant at SSMC, conducted an in-depth evaluation of both patients and diagnosed them with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and impacts a person’s behavior, thinking capabilities, intellectual functions and social skills. Memory loss is the most common symptom in patients with the disease, and although there’s no cure for it currently, medications like the one prescribed for the couple address the underlying biology of the disease and reduce beta-amyloid plaques from clumping together, helping to significantly reduce the disease’s progression. Amyloid is a toxic protein in the brain linked to cognitive disease.
Dr. Ahmed Shatila, , Neurology Consultant at SMC, said: “Fortunately, both my patients were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at an early stage, which meant that they were well suited to receive this novel therapy that is used to treat milder forms of Alzheimer’s. Thanks to the latest scientific advancements and valuable exchanges among our highly experienced and multidisciplinary medical team, SSMC is able to contribute to an improved quality of life for patients living with complex disorders.”
Dr Ahmed-Shatila commented on his patients’ current state: “I am glad to report that both patients are stable after receiving the medication and their family members have remarked improvements in their levels of memory loss.”
Dr Deanne Kashiwagi, deputy chief medical officer at SSMC, remarked on the importance of making novel treatments available to patients with progressive disorders and said: “SSMC’s primary mission is to place the needs of our patients first and provide the best care possible to patients closer to home by making accessible a wide range of effective treatments right here in Abu Dhabi.”
For media inquiries, please contact:Salma Chalak
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Email:schalak@ssmc.ae
Fadya Al Kathairi
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Email: falkathairi@ssmc.ae
Mustafa Al-Sibai
H+K Strategies
Email: Mustafa.Al-Sibai@hkstrategies.com
