Kamal Moumneh was shocked when he discovered his mother had Alzheimer's disease. Joining a support group helped him cope with the diagnosis and feelings of isolation. Support groups can provide psychological relief for people dealing with chronic diseases by helping them feel less alone. Initiatives from patients and their families are also important for developing resources that address both medical and psychological needs. Treating diseases requires a two-way approach that considers how conditions can impact mental health and vice versa.

2. Finding out that his mother had Alzheimer’s
disease was a huge blow for Kamal Moumneh.“It was
shocking. I didn’t know what it was,” said Mr
Moumneh, 46.But joining the Dubai Health Authority
Alzheimer’s support group three months ago has
greatly helped him to cope with the disease, which was
diagnosed in his mother two and a half years ago.

3. “It made a tremendous difference to me because
initially I felt alone,” said MrMoumneh, the founder of
an education technology company.“All the resources I’d
get were online and it just wasn’t
enough.”Psychological support for patients with
chronic diseases and their families can significantly
help, doctors say.But with the country’s healthcare
system continuing to develop, there is more room for
resources such as support groups and
counselling.Initiatives from patients and families
could also be key, experts say.“In my opinion it’s totally
underdeveloped,

4. ” said Dr Timo Brosig, chief executive of the German
Neuroscience Centre, which is developing an
Alzheimer’s support group for its patients.
“People have very, very high expectations and they are
looking for single treatment.”Support groups can
provide psychological relief for people dealing with the
same disease and help them to feel less isolated.“I
think, probably, if you look back at the healthcare
systems in other countries,

5. this is not something that has developed from the first
day,” said Dr Brosig. “The motivation must come out of
the patient or the caregiver.”Dr Louise Lambert,
psychology professor at the Canadian University of
Dubai who has worked in Canada’s healthcare system,
said the benefits of positive psychology could also
affect patients’ treatment.

6. “With a sense of meaning people cope better, but also
their perceptions of physical pain are lessened,” Dr
Lambert said.“Simply put, they are too busy to be
feeling bad but also feel like life is too important, so
they have an interest in keeping themselves
psychologically well and healthy, so as to enjoy life the
most they can.
“People who are happier also tend to take better care
of themselves physically. They follow doctors’ orders,
sleep better, exercise more, smoke less and have better
relationships.”Treating diseases can be “a two-way
street”, Dr Brosig said.

7. “A chronic disease can affect your psychology. You can
get depressed and suffer from anxiety,” he said.“But if
you are depressed and you don’t have enough support,
the medical treatment gets more difficult, or the
disease will progress much faster.”The DHA
Alzheimer’s group has dealt with myths about the
disease and increased awareness, since it is often
considered a normal part of ageing, said Dr
Mohammed Al Noamani, of the Family Gathering
Centre for the elderly, in Al Mamzar.

8. Families can now call an around-the-clock hotline for
Alzheimer’s caregivers when they face problems such
as shouting, wandering, screaming, refusal of food and
sexual harassment from their loved ones, said Dr Al
Noamani.Mr Moumneh’s mother, 66, is incapacitated
and has had from psychological problems such as
paranoia, anger and confusion for years, and refused to
see a doctor, he said.

9. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and late-stage dementia
surprised Mr Moumneh, who had associated the
disease with forgetfulness – a symptom his mother did
not display. Since, she has been in a rapid decline.He
attends monthly meetings with the Alzheimer’s group.
Those at the meetings may speak for a few minutes
about their experiences and other issues, and there is
usually a presentation on a topic related to the disease,
such as treatment and recreational benefits.Meeting
others who understand what he is going through and
can help “just takes a load off your shoulders”, Mr
Moumneh said.“It’s a tremendous lift.”