UAE – Mediclinic Middle East has introduced a new offering, Healthy Ageing screening package, at its main facilities in the Emirate of Dubai.
Mediclinic’s new screening package is now available at three hospital branches in Dubai, namely at Mediclinic City Hospital, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, and Mediclinic Dubai Mall.
The unique offering in this package is brain health screening using an artificial intelligence and machine learning technology-driven tool called CognICA by Cognetivity.
In an official company statement, Dr. David Curran, a Geriatric Consultant at Mediclinic City Hospital, said: “Being able to identify cognitive impairments early on aligns with Mediclinic’s dedication to preventative care, promoting optimal patient well-being and quality of life.”.”
CognICA by Cognetivity is a digital health solution that integrates the latest research in brain sciences with artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide a holistic brain health score in five minutes.
Leveraging the power of CognICA by Cognetivity, the brain function assessment will help specialists identify individuals with cognitive impairment or who are at risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to cognitive decline, general health, and well-being, and by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance early intervention methods, the rate of development of dementia can be slowed and overall health outcomes improved.
Commenting on the significance of using digital health solutions, Dr. David Curran outlined: “The integration of CognICA will empower family medicine doctors, geriatricians, and neurologists to conduct cognitive screenings on individuals aged 50 and above.”
New healthy ageing programme
Creating a specific service offering for older adults marks an important point of progress as dementia-related illness is projected to increase by 1700% by 2050, according to a recent report published by the Lancet medical journal.
Mediclinic’s new screening package is one of the many health offerings under the newly launched Healthy Ageing programme, the first of its kind in the private healthcare sector in the United Arab Emirates.
On his part, Dr. Pietie Loubser, the Chief Medical Officer at Mediclinic Middle East, stated: “Our new evidence-based ‘Healthy Ageing’ screening package specifically for the 50+ population will play a critical role in maintaining good physical, mental and cognitive health in our clients as they age.”
Mediclinic Middle East joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day for Older Persons which is held each year on 1 October.
In recognition of this important day, Mediclinic Middle East launched its Healthy Ageing programme, the first of its kind in the UAE’s private healthcare sector.
Mediclinic’s Healthy Ageing programme is currently preparing for international accreditation from relevant regulatory authorities.
The new programme will focus on providing clear and coordinated pathways for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related illnesses.
In the pilot phase, Mediclinic Middle East has begun rolling out its new Healthy Ageing screening package specifically designed to offer dedicated services for older adults aged 50 and above.
The first phase of the programme focuses on the early diagnosis of age-related illnesses, in particular cognitive impairment conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It can play a pivotal role in enabling early diagnosis of health issues, and equally important, allow Mediclinic consultants to recommend treatment and lifestyle changes to avoid or slow the progression of age-related diseases.
Promoting health in older adults
Operating seven hospitals and over 20 clinics with more than 900 inpatient beds in the UAE, the launch of the new programme is a clear demonstration of Mediclinic’s commitment to improving services for people aged 50 and older living in the region.
In his address, Dr. Pietie Loubser underscored: “At Mediclinic, we understand the importance of active, healthy ageing, as well as early detection of illnesses that may occur as we age.”
Moreover, Mediclinic’s Healthy Ageing programme will play a crucial role in supporting the UAE Government’s ongoing preventive measures against the development of dementia-related illnesses in old age.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined healthy ageing as a process of maintaining the functional ability to enable well-being in older age.
The WHO, Member States, and Partners for Sustainable Development Goals have created a Global Strategy and Action Plan for Ageing and Health for 2016–2020 and its continuation with the WHO programme, The Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030.
Through its ‘Healthy Ageing’ programme, Mediclinic Middle East will support the achievement of the World Health Organization’s healthy ageing agenda.
“By promoting active ageing, we aim to empower our patients to take control of their health and well-being including their brain health. Doing so can lead to a better quality of life, improved mental agility, and reduced risk of developing age-related illnesses,” added Dr. Pietie Loubser.
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