A new Economist Impact report highlights the UAE’s proactive Alzheimer’s disease response and calls for a national policy, awareness, and training.
ABU DHABI: A newly released report by Economist Impact, commissioned by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, underscores the UAE’s growing leadership in Alzheimer’s disease care while offering a roadmap to improve patient outcomes and national readiness.
With over 55 million people globally affected by dementia, the majority being Alzheimer’s cases, the report titled Changing the Narrative: Alzheimer’s Disease in the UAE presents the country’s strengths and next steps in addressing the challenge amid an ageing population and rising life expectancy.
The report highlights initiatives by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), awareness campaigns by nonprofits such as 4-get-me-not, and Sharjah’s recognition by the WHO as the first Arab Age-Friendly City in 2015 as examples of how the UAE has set a benchmark for age-inclusive care.
To further elevate Alzheimer’s care, the report recommends the establishment of a national Alzheimer’s policy that brings together government, academia, private sector, and civil society to drive a unified, data-backed response. A focus on training healthcare workers, particularly primary care providers, is also urged to enable earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Roberta Marinelli, President and GM of Eli Lilly for Middle East and Türkiye, noted that “realising the full impact of scientific breakthroughs depends on strategic collaboration.” She affirmed Lilly’s commitment to partnering with UAE institutions to shape not just local, but global care standards.
The launch at the 5th Abu Dhabi Brain Conference drew international neuroscience experts and reinforced the UAE’s position as a pioneer in health innovation. The call for awareness, professional training, and policy integration reflects the UAE’s vision for a resilient, inclusive healthcare future.
