Memory Problems Care in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is memory problems care?
Memory problems care is the long-term follow-up that begins once memory difficulties have been assessed and a cause has been identified or suspected. Where the dementia assessment answers the question "what is happening?", follow-up care answers a different one: "how do we live well with it, month by month?"
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, this care takes place through regular appointments with the neurologist rather than a separate dedicated clinic. Each visit reviews how thinking, daily function, mood and sleep have changed since the last one, adjusts treatment, and gives the family practical guidance for the months ahead. Therapy, social support and other specialist services are arranged by referral when the plan calls for them.
Who needs it
Follow-up care suits:
- People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or another type of dementia
- People with mild cognitive impairment, where memory changes are measurable but daily life is largely intact, who benefit from watchful review
- People whose memory difficulties are linked to stroke, Parkinson's disease or another neurological condition
- Families who have taken on the role of carer and want a single medical point of contact
If memory problems have been noticed and are yet to be assessed, the starting point is a cognitive assessment or a dementia assessment, which look for treatable causes first.
What happens
A follow-up appointment is a conversation with both the patient and the person who knows their daily routine best. The neurologist asks about recent changes in memory, conversation, orientation, personal care, eating and night-time sleep, and repeats short memory and thinking tests so that changes over time can be tracked.
The visit usually covers several areas:
| Area | What the review looks at |
|---|---|
| Medicines | Medicines that may support memory and thinking for a time, plus a review of any tablets that can worsen confusion |
| Mood | Low mood, anxiety and irritability, which are common and treatable |
| Sleep | Night waking, daytime napping and evening restlessness |
| Behaviour | Agitation, suspicion or repeated questioning, and the triggers behind them |
| Safety | Driving, cooking, medicines at home and the risk of getting lost |
| Physical health | Hearing, vision, continence, weight and falls |
Behaviour changes are approached with routine and environment first: a steady daily rhythm, good lighting in the evening, daytime activity and a calm response to repeated questions. Medicines for distress are kept for situations where these steps have been tried and the person remains very unsettled.
Blood tests or a brain MRI may be repeated if something changes unexpectedly, since a sudden decline often has a separate, treatable cause such as an infection.
Preparing for it
- Bring every medicine the person takes, including vitamins, herbal remedies and eye drops, in their boxes
- Keep a short diary of good days, difficult days, falls and night-time waking
- Write down questions from family members who live abroad and follow the situation from a distance
- Bring the main carer; if a domestic helper handles daily care, their observations about meals, sleep and behaviour are valuable
- Bring any previous scans, reports and assessments, in any language
Afterwards
Each visit ends with an updated plan and a date for the next review. The plan may include medicine changes, advice for the household, and referrals for therapy, social support or respite care. Living with dementia also involves planning ahead while the person can still share their wishes: who will make health and financial decisions later, and what care they would prefer. The neurologist can explain the medical side and suggest seeking legal advice for the formal steps.
Many families in the UAE share care across generations and with domestic helpers. A written routine, a list of medicines and emergency contacts on the fridge helps everyone give the same care. For travel, keep the routine as steady as possible, carry medicines in hand luggage and allow extra rest on arrival.
Carers need support too. Exhaustion and low mood are common in carers, and short breaks help families continue caring for longer.
Book an earlier review if confusion worsens over days, sleep or behaviour changes markedly, or the person stops eating or drinking well. Seek urgent help at the emergency department for sudden confusion, a fall with a head injury, new weakness or difficulty speaking, or if the person goes missing.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans cover neurology follow-up consultations and routine blood tests, while repeat imaging and some long-term medicines may need pre-approval. Therapy, home care and respite services arranged by referral are often covered separately or partly. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you confirm your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks and limits of memory problems care?
Memory problems care carries few risks in itself, but the medicines used can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness or a slow pulse, so they are reviewed at each visit. For most types of dementia, current medicines ease symptoms for a time rather than stop the condition, and progress differs from person to person.
Can dementia be cured?
Most types of dementia cannot be cured, although some causes of memory loss, such as thyroid problems, low vitamin levels, depression or medicine side effects, can improve with treatment. Follow-up care focuses on keeping the person as independent, comfortable and safe as possible.
Should a person with dementia stop driving?
Driving safety should be discussed with the neurologist, because dementia gradually affects judgement, reaction time and route-finding, often before the person notices. Families should follow UAE licensing authority guidance and ask the neurologist for a medical opinion when concerns arise.
How can we stop a parent with dementia from getting lost?
Keeping a steady daily routine, locking or alarming outside doors, and giving the person an identity bracelet or card with a family phone number reduces the risk of getting lost. Many families also use a tracking device, and a recent photograph should be kept ready in case the person goes missing.
Can a person with dementia fast during Ramadan?
The decision about fasting in Ramadan should be made with the neurologist, because missed meals, dehydration and changed medicine times can worsen confusion. Many people with moderate or advanced dementia are exempt from fasting, and a religious adviser can guide the family.
How can we look after ourselves as carers?
Carers stay well by sharing tasks across the family, taking regular breaks and asking for respite care when needed. Tell the neurologist if you feel exhausted or low, because carer support is part of the plan and referral to support services can be arranged.
Is memory problems care covered by insurance?
Neurology follow-up consultations are covered by most UAE insurance plans, while repeat imaging, some medicines and home care services may need pre-approval or have limits. Confirm your cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777.
Departments
Book an appointment
Tell us your preferred day and time. Our team calls you back to confirm.