MAKKAH: The Makkah Health Cluster, in collaboration with King Abdullah Medical City, has announced the launch of a memory clinic at King Abdulaziz Hospital, aimed at providing treatment to patients with early-stage dementia and memory-related disorders, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare, improve access to specialised services, and prioritise prevention over treatment—aligned with the Health Sector Transformation Programme under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The clinic provides both early and advanced assessment and diagnosis for individuals with memory disorders and associated mental symptoms.
It also offers the latest pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for early-stage dementia.
The facility operates within the Kingdom’s palliative care model and caters to patients suspected of having mild cognitive impairment or those experiencing mental symptoms, aged 65 or younger.
Anticipated outcomes include early diagnosis of dementia, exclusion of conditions unrelated to neurodegeneration, and comprehensive support for patients and their families.
Dementia is typically caused by damage to brain cells, which affects their ability to communicate. The cause and pattern of damage can vary depending on the type of dementia.
It is not a single disease, but rather a group of symptoms associated with a range of underlying brain disorders.
In the disease, a patient suffers from memory loss, difficulty with thinking or problem-solving, confusion or disorientation, struggles with language or communication, and reduced ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, usually progressive and related to abnormal protein build-up in the brain, while vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes or damage to blood vessels.
Currently, there is no cure for most forms of dementia, but some treatments (both medical and non-medical) can help manage symptoms, especially if diagnosed early.
