(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Dr Hamed al Sinawi has become the first Omani to win the Public Educator Award from the Royal College of Psychiatrists UK for his work in the field of psychiatry. Dr Sinawi a senior consultant at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital said 'It is important to be recognised by an international body.
It is encouraging to be rewarded for the hard work involved in educating the public about Alzheimer's and mental health in general. An estimated 5000 to 6000 people are suffering from Alzheimer's in the sultanate.
'Raising awareness about the disease is key as early detection and treatment can slow down this disease and improve the quality of life of the person suffering from it. Unfortunately some cases are diagnosed very late as family members of the sufferers think dementia is a normal part of ageing.' He said that a majority of his work has been related to the elderly.
'I started with general psychiatry but I have been specialising in old age psychiatry for the past four years. I am the co-founder and chairman of the Oman Alzheimer's Society (OAS) which aims to educate and support sufferers of the disease and their families. 'It gives continuous advice to healthcare workers on how to diagnose and treat the affected persons so that they can live independently awhile longer before being fully dependent on their families.'
Dr Sinawi said that the society is also involved in organising monthly support group meetings and conducting research. 'Since its inception in April 2013 OAS which comprises caregivers and volunteers has worked with the Ministry of Health and the community to improve the care given to people suffering from Alzheimer's. I thank everyone at OAS especially the volunteers for their continued commitment and encourage everyone to visit our website www.alzoman.org and participate in any way they can.'
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