Sultan Prize for Alzheimer’s research

An international prize for scientific research in Alzheimer's disease, named after Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz , was announced here Monday. Prince Saud bin Khaled bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman, chairman of Saudi Alzheimer's Disease Association (SADA) made the announcement at the opening of the First International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease here. Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmed, who is also the honorary chairman of SADA, inaugurated the conference in the presence of an elite gathering. The prince also opened an exhibition, which will run concurrently with the main conference. Prince Saud said that the institution of an award in the name of late Prince Sultan is a fitting tribute that the association could pay for his dedicated humanitarian services rendered for the welfare of the community. “Although the late prince has left us, he still remains in our hearts for his noble deeds rendered toward the nation,” Prince Saud said. He cited statistics to say that the world has nearly 36 million people suffering from dementia, and that number is expected to double by 2030. Dementia is the leading cause for Alzheimer's disease. Congratulating SADA for getting the Chaillot Award from the European Union for its continued efforts to spread awareness about Alzheimer in the Saudi society and to improve health and living standards of Alzheimer's patients, Prince Ahmed said that the conference is not only a forum to discuss scientific research but also  a platform to view the matter through humanitarian and charitable angles. Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Social Affairs Minister Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Alzheimer's Disease International Executive Director Marc Wortman and KACST President Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel also spoke at the gathering. Al-Rabeeah said, of late, his ministry has encouraged the active participation of government and nongovernmental organizations in fostering health care of people. Wortman said that over 1 billion could be affected by Alzheimer's disease by 2050. “It cannot be cured but it can be treated for the comfort of the patients,” he added. The dignitaries on the dais witnessed the signing of three agreements by SADA with King Saud University, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Medical University of the National Guard and Alfaisal University, who will act as strategic partners for the launch of a national campaign to deal with Alzheimer's disease in the Kingdom. SADA vice chairperson Princess Madawi bint Muhammed bin Abdullah bin Abdulrahman said the event is an effective forum for participants to update themselves with the latest advances made in the field of Alzheimer's disease. The princess pointed out the conference was an important national step in combating the disease and would act as a starting point for rehabilitation and more health care programs for this condition.