Qatar

Research conducted in December 2025

Qatar was among the first countries in the Middle East and North Africa region to adopt a strategic approach to dementia management, with the Qatar National Dementia Plan providing an impetus to the development of necessary healthcare infrastructure for diagnosing and treating dementia, as well as successfully raising public awareness of the illness. Qatar achieved great progress in ensuring easy access to diagnostic, treatment and care services — also being one of the first countries to approve revolutionary treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. However, challenges with instituting a more comprehensive support network for dementia carers — or developing information systems related to dementia — remain. Recent steps in addressing these gaps seem encouraging and, if continued, could position Qatar as a Middle Eastern leader in dementia management.

Overall
AD Rating
Diagnostic Pathway
Qatar features a streamlined referral system with established Geriatric Memory Clinics and short specialist wait times of five weeks, though advanced biomarkers remain an evolving, non-routine field.
Specialized Care
The state provides a robust, heavily subsidised public network of specialised Geriatric Memory Clinics, and has successfully established early infrastructure for disease-modifying therapies like lecanemab and donanemab.
Caregiver Support
While public helplines and NGOs offer psychological counseling and day care, caregivers lack fundamental legal rights for paid care leave and receive no direct financial compensation from the state.
National Policies
Although Qatar previously pioneered the region with a dedicated 2018-2022 plan, the country currently lacks an active, standalone national dementia strategy, instead folding it into broader elderly health initiatives.
Access to ATT-s
Multiple therapies approved; limited or no reimbursement.
Organizations are listed for informational purposes based on publicly available sources. Inclusion does not necessarily indicate affiliation with or endorsement by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).

Highlights

Health system
Universal mixed funding (mixed provision)
ADI member association(s)
Qatar Alzheimer’s Society
National dementia plan
Qatar National Dementia Plan (2018 to 2022)
Dementia plan funding
Inadequately funded plan
Dementia prevalence rate
115.1
Dementia incidence rate
21.5
*per 100k Population
Prevalence Rate (per 100,000): 
This measures the total number of existing cases (both old and new) in a population at a specific point in time, divided by the total population and multiplied by 100,000. It tells you the overall "burden" or how widespread a condition is at that moment.
Incidence Rate (per 100,000): 
This measures the number of new cases that develop in a population over a specific period (usually one year), divided by the population at risk and multiplied by 100,000. This tells you the "speed" or risk of contracting the condition.

Population

3,134,530

Median age

33.5

Health expenditure (% of GDP)

2.18

Diagnosis

Although Qatar does not have a national dementia screening programme, diagnostic services are widely available and closely aligned with standards in developed economies. Assessment typically begins in primary care and follows a streamlined referral pathway to specialist memory clinics within Hamad Medical Corporation, where comprehensive clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and brain imaging are provided. MRI, CT, and PET imaging are available, and advanced biomarker and genetic testing can be accessed, primarily through the private sector. Wait times are generally low, with 86% of residents reporting same-day access to primary care and specialist appointments averaging around five weeks. Health coverage is broadly accessible: Qatari citizens benefit from heavily subsidised public services through the national health card, and employer-sponsored insurance is mandatory for non-GCC residents, making diagnostic costs generally low for most of the population.

Diagnosis pathway

Qatar does not have a national dementia screening programme. However, its diagnostic pathway closely resembles those in developed economies. Assessment typically begins in primary care under the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), where patients undergo brief cognitive screening, medical history review, and physical examination.

Suspected cases are referred through a streamlined pathway to specialist services within Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), particularly the Memory Clinic at Rumailah Hospital and its network of Geriatric Memory Clinics. Comprehensive assessment includes clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, ECG, and brain imaging, followed by diagnosis and post-diagnostic support. Preventive services are available for individuals without confirmed dementia.

Advanced biomarkers such as CSF testing and APOE genotyping are not part of the standard public pathway but are available in the private sector.

Qatar does not have a national dementia screening program in place. Nevertheless, considering that encouraging timely diagnosis and early intervention was a strategic objective of the Qatar National Dementia Plan, Qatar invested significantly in the (1) infrastructure necessary for diagnosing dementia and (2) training medical professionals and support staff on appropriately handling dementia cases. The standard diagnostic pathway for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias follows similar patterns than in other developed economies.

When an individual or their family members notice persistent memory problems, personality changes, or difficulties with daily tasks, their first point of contact is usually a primary care physician. The Qatar National Dementia Plan envisaged a significant expansion in the early screening capacities of the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), which manages the public primary healthcare system in Qatar. This included (1) developing a national dementia care pathway and (2) national clinical guidelines, (3) conducting dementia awareness and education campaigns for medical professionals, people living with dementia and their carer partners, and (4) introducing early screening methods. Primary care physicians in Qatar usually conduct a brief cognitive screening in this step, review medical history, and conduct a physical examination to rule out other conditions.

In Qatar, those suspected of developing dementia benefit from access to a streamlined referral pathway. People living with dementia are usually referred to specialists — such as neurologists and geriatric psychiatrists — within specialised memory clinics. Within the public healthcare system, the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the main provider of specialist services, operating a prominent memory clinic at Rumailah Hospital. Other than Rumailah Hospital, HMC operates a network of Geriatric Memory Clinics, where people 60 years and above with memory concerns are assessed comprehensively — including through physical examinations, blood tests, electrocardiograms and brain scans — after which a diagnosis is delivered. For those diagnosed with dementia, HMC provides post – diagnostic support to both people living with dementia and their families. People not diagnosed with dementia are referred to preventive services at the Specialised Geriatric Wellness Clinics, focusing on lifestyle changes to reduce risk.

The use of advanced biomarkers is an evolving field in Qatar. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype investigation are not considered to be parts of the standard diagnostic pathway in the public healthcare system, but are available — primarily through private healthcare providers.

Wait times

Short wait time (expected)

Most Qatari residents report timely access to primary care, with 86% able to see or reach their general practitioner on the same day when needed. Specialist wait times in the public sector are approximately five weeks following targeted system reforms. No major regional disparities have been reported. In the private sector, services are generally available without significant delay but at higher cost.

A recent study indicates that a majority of Qatari residents feel that waiting times for primary care physician appointments are not significantly long, and 86% of study participants indicate that they have been able to reach their physician on the same day when needed. When it comes to specialist appointments, Qatar made significant progress in decreasing waiting times in the public healthcare sector — from an average of 3 months to only 5 weeks — through a series of targeted interventions. Waiting times for diagnostic imaging services in the public healthcare sector vary, depending on the facility, prescription and urgency. There are no significant regional disparities in waiting times for accessing the standard diagnostic pathway for dementia. There is no concrete information on waiting times for accessing genetic or biomarker testing, but these are not likely to be significant, as the procedures are not considered to be part of the standard diagnostic pathway for dementia. Yet, as Qatar approved donanemab, which targets amyloid plaques, recently, demand for these tests will likely increase, which might affect waiting times. In the private healthcare sector, all services forming the traditional diagnostic pathway for dementia can be accessed without significant delays, but at a more significant cost.

Diagnosis cost

Mostly or fully covered

Qatari citizens holding a national health card receive heavily subsidised diagnostic services, including dementia-related assessments, through the public system. Employer-sponsored health insurance is mandatory for non-GCC residents and generally covers diagnostic services at low or no direct cost.

Without insurance, private primary care consultations cost approximately QAR 250–400, while specialist visits range from QAR 400–700+, with additional charges for laboratory tests and imaging.

A Qatar health card provides citizens and GCC nationals resident in Qatar with subsidised access to public healthcare facilities like Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). People with them can access most medical services, including diagnostic services for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, at heavily subsidised rates or for free. Employer-sponsored healthcare insurance — usually private — is de jure mandatory for non-GCC nationals in Qatar. An average private insurance policy covers inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. That said, most diagnostic services related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are available at low or no cost — for both Qatari residents and expats.

Without proper insurance, a consultation with a private primary care physician in Qatar costs between QAR 250 and 400, depending on the location and services provided. Specialists typically charge from QAR 400 to 700, depending on their specialty and clinic. Additional charges for laboratory work, imaging and prescriptions are incurred by patients from this category. However, little to no information is available online on the costs of MRI, CT and PET brain scans in Qatar.

Cognitive tests

Available

Little information is available on which cognitive screening tests are validated for use in Qatar. Peer – reviewed validation studies exist for the following:

(1) Mini-Mental State Examination 2 (MMSE – 2);
(2) Mini-cog Cognitive Impairment Screening Tool, which was not successfully validated for use — a result attributed to the higher illiteracy rate and older age of the sample on which it was tested.

Imaging tests

Commonly used

Brain scans — including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans — are readily available in Qatar, and considered to be part of the standard diagnostic pathway for dementia. Recent data on the number of MRI, CT and PET scanners per million people in Qatar is not readily available. The most recent available estimates point out that there are 8.3 CT units (2013), 9.2 MRI units (2013), and 0.4 PET units (2016) per million people in Qatar. However, considering that Qatar significantly increased its investments into medical devices over the recent period, it is likely that these rates are higher in the present.

Genetic tests

APOE genotype investigation is not considered to be part of the standard diagnostic pathway in the public healthcare system, but is available in Qatar — primarily through private healthcare providers. In addition, direct-to-consumer testing services are available, as in most Gulf countries.

Biomarker tests

Used in specific cases

CSF testing for Alzheimer’s disease is approved and available in Qatar. However, it is not considered to be part of the standard diagnostic pathway for the disease. The PrecivityAD test developed by C2N Diagnostics, which relies on quantifying amyloid-β 42 / 40 ratio, is approved and available in Qatar. This blood test determines the likelihood of a patient having amyloid plaques in the brain. Plasma tests for phosphorylated tau (p-tau) 181 or 217, which are good predictors for the formation of amyloid-β plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, are in development, and could become approved and available soon.

Cognitive Tests

Available

Little information is available on which cognitive screening tests are validated for use in Qatar. Peer – reviewed validation studies exist for the following:

(1) Mini-Mental State Examination 2 (MMSE – 2);
(2) Mini-cog Cognitive Impairment Screening Tool, which was not successfully validated for use — a result attributed to the higher illiteracy rate and older age of the sample on which it was tested.

Imaging Tests

Commonly used

Brain scans — including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans — are readily available in Qatar, and considered to be part of the standard diagnostic pathway for dementia. Recent data on the number of MRI, CT and PET scanners per million people in Qatar is not readily available. The most recent available estimates point out that there are 8.3 CT units (2013), 9.2 MRI units (2013), and 0.4 PET units (2016) per million people in Qatar. However, considering that Qatar significantly increased its investments into medical devices over the recent period, it is likely that these rates are higher in the present.

Genetic Tests

APOE genotype investigation is not considered to be part of the standard diagnostic pathway in the public healthcare system, but is available in Qatar — primarily through private healthcare providers. In addition, direct-to-consumer testing services are available, as in most Gulf countries.

Biomarker Tests

Used in specific cases

CSF testing for Alzheimer’s disease is approved and available in Qatar. However, it is not considered to be part of the standard diagnostic pathway for the disease. The PrecivityAD test developed by C2N Diagnostics, which relies on quantifying amyloid-β 42 / 40 ratio, is approved and available in Qatar. This blood test determines the likelihood of a patient having amyloid plaques in the brain. Plasma tests for phosphorylated tau (p-tau) 181 or 217, which are good predictors for the formation of amyloid-β plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, are in development, and could become approved and available soon.

Treatment & Care

Dementia services in Qatar are primarily delivered through Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), which operates six Geriatric Memory Clinics, with Rumailah Hospital serving as the main centre for geriatric and long-term dementia care. Private providers, including Sidra Medicine, also offer specialised memory services. Standard dementia medications, including recently approved disease-modifying therapies, are available.

Care is heavily subsidised for citizens and GCC residents, and employer-sponsored insurance for expatriates generally covers treatment with low out-of-pocket costs. However, dedicated public palliative care for non-cancer dementia remains limited, and structured caregiver support services are still developing.

Specialized facilities and services

Qatar has a well-developed dementia care infrastructure within both the public and private sectors. The public system, led by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), operates a network of six Geriatric Memory Clinics, with Rumailah Hospital serving as the main centre for geriatric and long-term dementia care. Additional services are provided at facilities such as Al Khor Hospital, while private providers, including Sidra Medicine, also offer specialised memory clinics. Long-term care for dementia patients is integrated within public hospitals, particularly at Rumailah Hospital, which operates specialised centres (Enaya and Daam) and a residential care compound with capacity for approximately 425 patients requiring prolonged nursing and medical care.

However, there are currently no dedicated public hospital- or home-based palliative care services specifically tailored to non-cancer dementia patients. While some private palliative services exist, specialised dementia-focused palliative care within the public system remains limited. Non-governmental organisations such as Ehsan provide social and day-care services for older adults, particularly those in earlier stages of dementia, but do not offer advanced medical supervision.

Healthcare infrastructure is well developed in Qatar, and not only is the Qatari government heavily investing in its expansion, but, through a diverse set of policies, it is working on stimulating private investments into the healthcare sector. A key objective of the Qatar National Dementia Plan (QNDP) was the expansion of dementia treatment and care services in the country. Prior to the enactment of the QNDP, there was only one memory clinic in Qatar. Nowadays, a network of six Geriatric Memory Clinics functions within the public healthcare system. Moreover, a number of private healthcare providers also offer dementia treatment and care services. The most prominent healthcare facilities specializing in the former include:

(1) Rumailah Hospital — administered by the public Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) — which specialises in geriatric and long-term care. The first Geriatric Memory Clinic was established on its premises. Rumailah Hospital is the prime public healthcare facility providing treatment and care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Qatar.

(2) Al Khor Hospital — administered by the public Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) — is another facility which specialises in dementia diagnosis, treatment and care, primarily through its Psychiatry and Clinical Imaging Departments.

(3) Sidra Medicine — a private healthcare provider, which is a member of Qatar Foundation — opened a Memory Clinic last year, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health needs of women, aged 60 and above.

While the public healthcare system in Qatar is robust and modern, including 14 hospitals with integrative geriatric services — affiliated with the Hamad Medical Corporation — as of 2023, there are no hospital or home-based palliative care services in Qatar which target older people with non-cancer diagnoses (2023). Taboos around dementia diagnosis in Qatar was identified as something which distorts the actual demand for palliative care in the country. Within the public healthcare system, there is an evident need for introducing palliative care services tailored towards people living with dementia, especially as demand for them will increase as the population grows older. Meanwhile, a number of private facilities providing palliative care services for people living with dementia operate in Qatar.

When it comes to long term care facilities catering to people living with dementia, the Qatar National Dementia Plan gave the impetus for the development of a robust network within the public healthcare system. Nowadays, long term care facilities are commonly integrated within public hospitals, with Rumailah Hospital featuring two specialised care centres — Enaya and Daam — and a Residential Care Compound. Together these facilities can accommodate around 425 people, who require prolonged nursing and medical care. Considering the specialisation of Rumailah in geriatric medicine, the facilities are well prepared for handling people living with dementia.

The Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care — also known as Ehsan — is a non-governmental organisation affiliated with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work which provides services catering to the elderly, including social care and organizing activities. Their services are appropriate for those in earlier stages of dementia. However, the organisation is unable to provide medical supervision or expertise for more advanced cases. Ehsan manages three daycare centres for the elderly in Qatar, whose aim is to lessen the burden on caregivers and to foster socialisation among the elderly.

Approved medication

Generic Name Trade Name Used for
Donepezil Aricept, Aricept ODT, Adlarity, Eranz, Memac, Alzepil, Davia, Donecept, Donep, Donepex, Donesyn, Dopezil, Yasnal, Memorit, Pezale, Redumas, Zolpezil, Namzaric* Donepezil is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia.
Rivastigmine Exelon, Exelon Patch, Prometax, Rivastach, Nimvastid Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia.
Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Galantamine Razadyne, Razadyne ER, Reminyl, Reminyl XL, Nivalin, Lycoremine, Galsya Galantamine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer type.
Memantine Namenda, Namenda XR, Ebixa, Memary, Axura, Akatinol, Maruxa, Nemdatine, Namzaric* Treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Donanemab Kisunla Donanemab is indicated for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in adult patients that are apolipoprotein Eε4 (ApoE ε4) heterozygotes or non-carriers.
Lecanemab Leqembi Lecanemab is indicated for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients that are apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) heterozygotes or non-carriers.

*Namzaric = combination of Donepezil and Memantine

Treatment cost

Qatari citizens and GCC residents receive heavily subsidised or free dementia care through the public system. Expatriates must have employer-sponsored insurance, which generally covers dementia treatment with low out-of-pocket costs. Without insurance, dementia medications cost around QAR 200–400, while private caregiving and long-term care services can be expensive.

A Qatar health card provides citizens and GCC nationals resident in Qatar with subsidised access to public healthcare facilities like Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). People with them can access most medical services, including treatment and care for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, at heavily subsidised rates or for free.

Expatriates with private insurance should also be able to access most services related to treating Alzheimer’s disease at subsidised rates, with out-of-pocket payments being relatively low. An average private insurance policy covers inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. When it comes to the costs of standard medications used to treat dementia, they vary, but those without insurance can expect to pay around QAR 200 to 400. While there is no precise information on the costs of hiring private caregivers, home nursing or residencies in private long term care facilities, these are likely to be significant.

Caregiver support

The Qatar National Dementia Plan (QNDP) sought to strengthen caregiver support by establishing a carers’ society and integrating support services within dementia care centres. A Family Caregivers’ Group was subsequently created to raise awareness and provide information on diagnosis, treatment, and care; however, limited public information is available on its current activities or status.

At present, caregiver support appears to be provided mainly by two organisations: the Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS), which operates under Hamad Medical Corporation and has worked on awareness initiatives and a national dementia helpline, and the Alzheimer’s Patients Association, established in 2025 with support from the Ministry of Social Development and Family. Public visibility of these organisations remains limited, and the overall extent of structured caregiver support services is not clearly documented.

One of the primary objectives of Qatar National Dementia Plan (QNDP) was “to provide comprehensive support for all individuals caring for people living with dementia”. More specifically, the plan envisaged the (1) establishment of a dementia carer society in Qatar and (2) carer support services within dementia care centres. After the QNDP was enacted, a Family Caregivers’ Group was created to “raise awareness of dementia, promote early diagnosis and provide information on treatment and care services”. Nevertheless, not much information is available online about the activities of this organisation — it is unknown whether it is still in operation. Moreover, Geriatric Memory Clinics — which serve as dementia care centres — do not seem to provide support services to people living with dementia. That said, it remains uncertain whether the QNDP managed to achieve its objective in relation to dementia caregiver support.

Currently, two organisations seem to be working on providing support to carers and families of people living with dementia in Qatar — the Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS) and a recently established Alzheimer’s Patients Association. The former is based within the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), primarily delivering services through its umbrella. Not only does QAS work on raising awareness of dementia, but it also worked on instituting a national dementia helpline for people living with dementia and care partners. Yet, awareness of the QAS in Qatar seems to be low, as the organisation does not have a website, and only seems to have established a social media presence recently (2024). The Alzheimer’s Patients Association is a new organisation (2025) — established with the support of the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) — whose stated aims are similar to those of the QAS.

Policy

Qatar’s National Dementia Plan expired in 2022 and has not been replaced by a new standalone strategy. Dementia is now addressed indirectly within the National Health Strategy (2024–2030). Key gaps remain, including persistent stigma, delayed help-seeking, and limited caregiver leave provisions. In addition, there is no specific legislation protecting older persons from neglect or abuse, and advance power of attorney is not available, with guardianship requiring a court process.

National dementia plan

Qatar’s National Dementia Plan (2018-2022) aimed to position dementia as a public health priority, promote awareness, reduce population risk factors, improve early detection and treatment, strengthen caregiver support, develop dementia information systems, and invest in research and innovation. The plan led to significant expansion of diagnostic and treatment infrastructure and improved public awareness, but was less successful in establishing comprehensive caregiver support structures and national dementia data systems. The plan expired in 2022 and has not been replaced by a new standalone dementia strategy. Dementia-related priorities are now indirectly addressed within the National Health Strategy (2024–2030), which emphasises elderly care access and caregiver support.

When it comes to relevant strategic documents, the Qatar National Dementia Plan (QNDP) was in place between 2018 and 2022, with the aim of:

(1) Ensuring that dementia is a public health priority
(2) Promoting awareness of dementia
(3) Reducing risks for dementia development in the population
(4) Supporting early dementia detection, treatment and care efforts
(5) Supporting caregivers
(6) Fostering the development of dementia information systems, research
(7) Investing in research and innovation activities.

Qatar was among the first countries in the Middle East and North Africa region to adopt a strategic approach to dementia management, with the QNDP providing an impetus to the development of necessary healthcare infrastructure for diagnosing and treating dementia, as well as successfully raising public awareness of the illness. However, the plan was less successful in instituting a more comprehensive support network for dementia caregivers, or developing information systems related to dementia. No new national dementia plan was brought forward after this one elapsed.

The Qatar National Health Strategy (2024 to 2030), which was recently enacted, sets out the (1) facilitation of access to care for the elderly and (2) support for caregiver infrastructure as priorities, indirectly building on dementia care efforts set out in the Qatar National Dementia Plan.

Upcoming plans

There is currently no new standalone dementia strategy planned. Dementia-related priorities are addressed indirectly within the National Health Strategy (2024–2030).

No strategies focusing on ways to tackle dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are planned for the time being. The recently enacted Qatar National Health Strategy (2024 to 2030) outlines steps towards (1) improving access to elderly urgent care units and acute geriatric inpatient units, (2) establishing health (literacy) awareness programs for elderly, (3) informing and empowering people in managing their own health conditions, while also (4) improving the physical, mental and social health of carers.

Policy gaps

Legal barriers
Cultural barriers

Like in many countries of the Middle East, people living with dementia and carers often deal with stigma related to the disease. A 2024 study found that carers and people living with dementia consistently ranked addressing stigmas related to dementia as one of their priorities when it comes to dementia management. Another study from 2019 found that many Qatari people living with dementia and their families delay seeking help until dementia reaches advanced stages, with lack of knowledge, societal stigma and cultural preferences — according to which caring for the elderly is a family obligation — cited as reasons for the delay. Many caregiving families continue to feel under-supported, despite their critical role from detection to long term care. In Qatar, the use of the word خرف (kharaf or senile) for people living with dementia remains prominent, stigmatizing the disease in a public space.

Research

Dementia research in Qatar is conducted through major academic and medical institutions, including Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation, and Qatar Biomedical Research Institute. There are currently no major interventional dementia drug trials recruiting in the country. Research is primarily observational and focuses on understanding dementia in the local population, as well as developing and studying biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for earlier detection and future therapeutic approaches.

Clinical trials and registries

Currently, there are no major, active clinical trials for new dementia drugs recruiting people in Qatar. Most of the research is observational, focusing on understanding the disease within the local population.

One strategic objective of the Qatar National Dementia Plan (QNDP) was to establish a Qatar National Dementia Registry. However, no such patient registry was established during or after the mandate of the plan (2025). The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is actively collecting data on people living with dementia in Qatar through its network of Geriatric Memory Clinics. One study (2024) analysed a “prospective memory clinics registry” maintained by Hamad Medical Corporation with 464 registered people.

Selected innovative methods

Dementia research in Qatar includes advanced biomarker development and molecular studies. The Malik Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar investigates early detection by studying neurodegeneration biomarkers in the eye, alongside brain- and blood-based transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to predict progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.

The Neurological Disorders Research Center at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute focuses on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders, working to identify molecular mechanisms and develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic approaches.

Researchers from Weill Cornell in Qatar analysed the level of knowledge, awareness and attitudes of healthcare professionals on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Qatar. The study found that over 70% of interviewees had not undertaken dementia-related training in the last 2 years, that knowledge on the disease was moderate, while awareness of recent advances in basic disease pathophysiology was lacking. Researchers at Hamad Medical Corporation studied awareness of dementia risk factors among Qatari medical professionals in a separate study, finding that most healthcare professionals had an awareness of them.

Researchers affiliated with the Malik Lab at Weill Cornell in Qatar conducted a dementia study. They researched the biomarkers of neurodegeneration in the eye, and brain and blood-based transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics to predict the development of dementia in individuals living with mild cognitive impairment.

The Neurological Disorders Research Center (NDRC) at the Qatar Biological Research Institute (QBRI) focuses on research in neurological disorders of high prevalence in Qatar, including Alzheimer’s disease, to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Among other initiatives, they are working on developing biomarkers and therapies to treat neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Support

Organizations are listed for informational purposes based on publicly available sources. Inclusion does not necessarily indicate affiliation with or endorsement by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).

Dementia support in Qatar is led mainly by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS), and Qatar Foundation. HMC operates the national dementia helpline (RAHA) and provides clinical services, while QAS focuses on awareness campaigns and public education. The newly established Alzheimer’s Patient Association (APA) works on advocacy and community outreach, and Ehsan provides day-care and social support services for older adults and caregivers.

Although these initiatives exist, dementia-specific platforms remain limited. There is no dedicated media outlet, and public engagement relies largely on campaigns and social media rather than structured national support networks.

Selected national associations, patient family associations, NGOs:

Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS) Alzheimer’s Patient Association (APA) Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care — Ehsan

Selected initiatives

Qatar’s dementia initiatives span research, clinical services, awareness, and caregiver support. Through the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Qatar Foundation supports biomarker-focused dementia research and backed the establishment of a Memory Clinic at Sidra Medicine for women aged 60+. Awareness and advocacy efforts are led by the Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS), which operates under Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), organises World Alzheimer’s Month campaigns, delivers seminars and professional training, and supports a national dementia helpline (RAHA). The newly established Alzheimer’s Patient Association (APA), supported by the Ministry of Social Development and Family, focuses on public awareness, patient advocacy, and educational initiatives. Ehsan, affiliated with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, provides day-care services, social support, counselling, and psychological services for older adults and their caregivers through three centres.

Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)
Through its research funding wing Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Qatar Foundation has funded various biomarker-focused research projects on dementia, including a local study on corneal confocal microscopy — its ability to predict progression from mild cognitive impairments to dementia. Qatar Foundation also supported the efforts of Sidra Medicine (its member) to open a Memory Clinic, dedicated to addressing the unique mental health needs of women, aged 60 and above.
Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS)
Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS) is a national association supporting the establishment of a management system for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Qatar. Its primary objectives include (1) raising public awareness of dementia within Qatari society, (2) advocating for people living with dementia, their families and carers, (3) informing them of treatment, care and support options within the Qatari medical landscape, and (4) facilitating seminars and trainings for healthcare professionals. QAS functions within the umbrella of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) — the Qatari public healthcare provider — benefiting from its institutional capacity. Yet, the online presence of QAS is very limited, with many Qataris likely being unaware of its activities. QAS does not have a website, only maintaining a presence on Instagram (since 2024), where it is quite active.
Alzheimer’s Patient Association (APA)
Alzheimer’s Patient Association (APA) is a patient association established with support from the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) in June 2025. The association aims to provide an integrated system of support and services for people living with Alzheimer's disease, raising community awareness about the nature of the disease, treatment and care options through public campaigns, training workshops, and educational initiatives targeting all segments of society. The association will also focus on developing “distinguished awareness-raising media content highlighting the challenges faced by patients”. APA operates as a non-profit civil society organization, initially with 20 members. Since the organization is new, it remains to be seen how active it will be in practice.
Ehsan
Ehsan is a non-governmental organization (NGO) affiliated with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work which provides services catering to the elderly, including social care and organizing activities. Ehsan manages three daycare centres for the elderly in Qatar to foster socialization among the elderly. In addition, the organization provides psychological care services, social support and counselling for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers.
RAHA
The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) launched RAHA — a national Alzheimer’s disease and memory services helpline — providing direct and easy access to information on services related to dementia care, treatment and support. It was designed to alleviate stress and ensure that support is readily available for people living with dementia, their families and care partners. Through the helpline, they can access a multidisciplinary team comprising a geriatrician, geriatric psychiatrist, memory nurse, psychologist and dementia care coordinators. Ehsan also provides specialist support services for the elderly and their care partners, with the aim of enhancing the mental health of the elderly.
Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS)
Every September, the Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS) organises a national public awareness campaign to mark World Alzheimer’s Month, in cooperation with various partner entities from both the private and public healthcare sectors. In previous years, activities included educational webinars on people living with dementia, their families and carers, including those jointly organised with regional partners — such as the Oman Alzheimer’s Society — as well as awareness campaigns which saw landmarks and buildings across Doha illuminated in purple on World Alzheimer’s Day, with public places, gyms, hotels, and corporate headquarters joining in solidarity. In addition, public lectures on dementia are commonly supported by Hamad Medical Corporation.

Dedicated media outlets

Qatar does not have a media outlet dedicated to news about dementia. However, public awareness campaigns in the media on the matter are common, with a majority of them led by the Qatar Alzheimer’s Society (QAS). This year, their annual World Alzheimer’s Month campaign, titled Remember Me aimed to raise public awareness of dementia, especially bringing attention to the plight of people living with dementia and their carers. In addition, the QAS regularly shares resources for people living with dementia, their families and carers through its Instagram page, while also resharing Reels and other non-locally produced materials raising awareness of the disease.

Previously, the Qatar Foundation published articles meant to raise awareness of what families caring for people living with dementia go through on a daily basis. These seemed to be particularly effective, as family members would recount their experiences as their loved ones’ disease progressed, which complemented medical professionals’ advice on the early dementia screening and prevention.

Understanding the terms

This section explains key terms used throughout the text to help readers better understand the exploration concepts.
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Contents

Understanding the Terms

Terms used throughout this website are explained below.
A

Amyloid-Targeting Therapies (ATT): A class of disease-modifying treatments, primarily monoclonal antibodies, designed to identify and remove amyloid-beta plaques from the brain to slow cognitive and functional decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s. Examples include Lecanemab and Donanemab.

Aphasia: A language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, often seen early in Frontotemporal Dementia.

APOE ε4 Allele: A genetic variant of the Apolipoprotein E gene that is a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease; while not a causative gene, its presence increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: A class of medications, including Donepezil, Rivastigmine, and Galantamine, used to treat cognitive symptoms by increasing levels of chemical messengers in the brain.

Advance Directives (DAT): Legal documents, such as Disposizioni Anticipate di Trattamento in Italy, that allow individuals to specify their future medical treatment and care preferences while they still have the capacity to do so.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): The most common cause of dementia, characterized by a progressive neurodegenerative decline caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.

Amyloid-beta Plaques: Protein fragments that build up in the spaces between nerve cells, disrupting communication and triggering immune responses.

Amyloid PET Scan: A specialized nuclear imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to visualize and measure the density of amyloid-beta plaques in the living brain.

Atrophy: The wasting away or shrinking of brain tissue, often measured via MRI to support a clinical diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

B

Biomarkers: Measurable biological indicators, such as proteins found in blood or cerebrospinal fluid, used to identify the underlying pathology of a disease.

Blood Biomarkers: Emerging, less-invasive diagnostic tests that measure specific proteins like p-tau or neurofilament levels in blood plasma to detect Alzheimer’s pathology.

C

CSF Analysis (Cerebrospinal Fluid): A diagnostic procedure involving a lumbar puncture to measure levels of tau and amyloid-beta proteins in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A diagnostic imaging test using X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain; used primarily to rule out other causes of cognitive decline such as tumors or strokes.

Clock Drawing Test (CDT): A brief cognitive screening task where a patient is asked to ask to draw a clock face; it evaluates visuospatial and executive function.

Cognitive Screening: The process of using standardized tests to objectively measure an individual’s mental functions, such as memory, orientation, and attention.

Community-based Care: Healthcare and support services provided within the local community, such as daycare centers, home-based nursing, and local support groups, rather than in institutional settings.

Cube Copying Test: A visuospatial assessment task used during neuropsychological evaluations to test a patient’s ability to replicate geometric shapes.

D

Dementia: An umbrella term for a range of neurological conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, and thinking skills severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Dementia-friendly Society: A community or national environment where citizens and businesses are trained to understand, respect, and support the needs of people living with dementia.

Disease-modifying Therapies (DMTs): A new class of treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Lecanemab), designed to target the underlying biological causes of Alzheimer’s rather than just managing symptoms.

E

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s: A form of the disease that affects people younger than age 65, often linked to the familial genes.

Executive Function: Higher-level mental skills including planning, focusing, and multitasking; these are often what the Clock Drawing Test evaluates.

F

FDG-PET: A type of PET scan that measures glucose metabolism in the brain to identify patterns characteristic of different dementia subtypes.

Familial Alzheimer’s Disease: A rare, genetic form of the disease linked to mutations in specific genes (APP, PSEN1, PSEN2) that typically presents with early-onset symptoms.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A type of dementia caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal or temporal lobes, leading to significant changes in behavior, personality, and language.

G

General Practitioner (GP): A primary care physician who acts as the first point of contact and gatekeeper for dementia diagnosis, providing initial assessments and referrals to specialists.

Genotyping: The analysis of an individual’s DNA to identify specific genetic variations associated with dementia risk or causation.

H

Hidden Cost: The indirect economic impacts of dementia, such as the loss of income for family members who must reduce working hours or leave their jobs to provide care.

I

Informal Care / Informal Caregiver: Unpaid care provided by family members, spouses, or friends, which represents the vast majority of long-term support for people living with dementia.

J

Japanese Cognitive Function Test (J-Cog): A specialized cognitive assessment tool used to evaluate mental and functional status in specific research or regional contexts.

L

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): A type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning, and independent function due to abnormal microscopic deposits that damage brain cells.

Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI): A specialized branch of insurance, found in systems like Germany and Singapore, that provides financial subsidies for daily living assistance and nursing care.

M

Memory Clinic: A specialized, often multidisciplinary center focused on the expert diagnosis, management, and treatment of dementia and cognitive disorders.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): An intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia where memory or thinking problems are noticeable but don’t yet prevent daily functioning.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): A 30-point standardized questionnaire used to measure cognitive impairment by testing orientation, recall, and attention.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A cognitive screening tool designed to be more sensitive than the MMSE, particularly for identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment.

MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A non-invasive technology using magnetic fields to produce detailed images of brain structure; used to assess brain atrophy and rule out secondary causes.

N

National Dementia Plan: A formal government strategy outlining a coordinated response to manage dementia diagnosis, care, research, and awareness at a national level.

National Health Insurance (NHI): A government-funded or regulated healthcare system providing universal or subsidized medical services to citizens.

Neuroimaging: The use of advanced techniques, such as CT, MRI, and PET, to visualize the structure and function of the brain for diagnostic purposes.

Neuroinflammation: The brain’s immune response to damage or protein buildup; while initially protective, chronic inflammation can accelerate neurodegeneration.

O

Out-of-Pocket Costs: Direct payments made by patients or their families for medical services, tests, or care that are not covered by insurance or public subsidies.

P

Preclinical Alzheimer’s: The stage where brain changes (like amyloid buildup) are present but no outward symptoms are yet visible.

S

Synaptic Loss: The destruction of synapses (the gaps where neurons communicate), which is often the strongest correlate to cognitive decline.

T

Tau Tangles: Twisted fibers of a protein called tau that build up inside nerve cells, destroying the cell’s transport system.

V

Vascular Dementia: The second most common type of dementia, caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to the brain, like strokes.