Alzheimer’s early detection is taking a major leap forward in the UAE. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced an advanced brain scan that can detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease before memory loss even starts.
The scan, called the amyloid PET scan, is now available in the country for the first time. It helps doctors see protein build-up in the brain, known as amyloid plaque. This plaque shows up long before any symptoms appear.
As a result, treatment can begin earlier. According to Dr. Hanan Sheikh Ibrahim, the scan is more powerful than regular brain imaging. MRI and CT scans cannot detect this plaque. But this scan identifies the disease at its root.
If the scan is positive, patients may qualify for new plaque-targeting drugs like donanemab or lecanemab. If the scan is negative, doctors can search for other treatable causes of memory loss—such as vitamin issues, sleep problems, or seizures.
Additionally, the scan works well with another test launched earlier this year—a blood biomarker test. Together, these tools improve accuracy and allow faster action. Doctors can now diagnose conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with more confidence.
Importantly, the scan can also help separate Alzheimer’s from similar conditions like vascular or frontotemporal dementia. These often have overlapping symptoms, making them tricky to identify without proper tools.
Dr. Ibrahim explained that Alzheimer’s can start developing up to 20 years before signs appear. Therefore, people in their 40s with risk factors should consider getting screened. These risks include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or past head injuries.
Early signs of concern include forgetfulness, mood shifts, and difficulty making decisions. When family members notice changes, it’s time to check.
Not all memory issues point to Alzheimer’s. Some patients have reversible problems like untreated sleep disorders. In such cases, treatment can restore cognitive health.
The hospital is also working with national programs like the Emirati Genome Project. Their goal is to create a UAE-wide dementia registry and improve early detection across the country.
Clearly, Alzheimer’s early detection is changing the future of dementia care in the UAE. By combining new science with public awareness, doctors hope to slow or even prevent the disease before it takes hold.
