Kamal Moumneh was shocked when he discovered his mother had Alzheimer's disease three years ago. He felt alone initially in dealing with the disease until joining a support group by the Dubai Health Authority for Alzheimer's, which helped him greatly. Support groups can offer psychological relief for patients with chronic diseases like Alzheimer's by helping them feel less lonely and giving them a place to share experiences. Experts say support groups and counseling are underdeveloped for patients and their families coping with Alzheimer's and other chronic illnesses.

1. KAMAL MOUMNEH
KAMAL MOUMNEH IN A SUPPORT GROUP FOR ALZHEIMER

2. • It was a big shock for Kamal Moumneh when he
discovered that his loving mother had Alzheimer’s
disease. The forty-seven years old said that it was a big
blow and he did not know what the disease was exactly.
• However, he joined recently the support group of Dubai
Health Authority Alzheimer and the group helped him
greatly to deal with the disease that was found in his
mother three years ago. According to Mr. Moumneh, the
move made a considerable difference to him because he
felt alone initially.

4. • He could find some resources online but it was not
enough for him. Doctors reveal that psychological
assistance for patients with chronic sicknesses and their
families can help considerably.
• However, as the healthcare system of the country keeps
developing, there is space for other resources including
counseling and support groups. According to experts,
the key can also be initiatives from families and patients.

5. • The chief executive of the German Neuroscience Centre,
Dr. Timo Brosig, said that support groups and counseling
are still completely undeveloped.
• The center is developing a support group of Alzheimer
for its patients. The doctor said that people still have
higher hopes and are seeking single therapy.
• Support groups can offer psychological relief for patients
coping with the same chronic disease and assist them to
feel less lonely.

6. • According to Doctor Brosig, the motivation has to come
from the caregiver or the patient and support groups
have not evolved from the first day in the healthcare
systems of other countries.
• The professor of psychology at the Canadian University
of Dubai, Dr. Louise Lambert, worked in the healthcare
system of Canada and said that a positive psychology
has many benefits on the patient’s therapy. Dr. Lambert
said that a sense of meaning helps patient to cope better
and lowers their insights of physical pain.

7. • With a support group, patients consider life as being
important and they find a reason to keep themselves
healthy and psychologically well in order to enjoy their
life to their utmost. Support groups keep patients so busy
that they do not have time to feel bad. Such patients
have better relationships, sleep better, and follow
doctors’ instructions. Since a chronic disease can make
a patient suffering from anxiety and get depressed, a
support group will make the medical therapy less difficult
and slow the progress of the disease. The group of DHA
Alzheimer has increased awareness and dealt with
fables about the sickness.

8. • The sixty-six years old mother of Kamal Moumneh
suffered from psychological issues including confusion,
anger, and paranoia while refusing to visit a doctor. The
diagnosis of the disease at late stage surprised Mr.
Moumneh since he linked the disease of Alzheimer with
forgetfulness which was not display by his mother.
• Kamal Moumneh attends meetings each month with the
support group in which attendants can speak briefly
about their issues and experiences. Usually there is a
presentation on a theme connected to the disease
including recreational benefits and therapy.