Muscat – The Purple Café, a caregiving initiative of Oman Alzheimer’s Society (OAS), hosted its annual gathering on Sunday to mark World Alzheimer’s Month and highlight the realities of living with the disease in Oman.

The event brought together families and caregivers, offering a platform to share experiences of caring for loved ones with dementia. Many spoke of the challenges of recognising the first signs of Alzheimer’s, often clouded by denial, guilt and anticipatory grief as families adjusted to the changes ahead.

Dr Hamed al Sinawi, Chairman of OAS and senior consultant in geriatric psychiatry at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, said caregivers should not face the journey alone. “Caregivers benefit immensely from reaching out – to medical professionals, community networks and peer support groups like Purple Café. Shared experiences and mutual support can help families navigate this journey together,” he said.

Discussions also addressed the later stages of Alzheimer’s, when communication diminishes and caregiving demands intensify. Caregivers stressed that small gestures, such as holding hands or spending quiet time together, remain vital for maintaining connection.

Several participants raised the need for more accessible medical services, particularly home visits for bedridden patients unable to communicate their needs.

Sharing his experience, Nasser al Riyami said, “My family member no longer speaks, but we still talk to him every day. Take them out for walks, visit beaches and don’t worry if they interact with strangers. At home, handrails are essential – falls can be dangerous, especially if surgery is required. We live in hope for a cure.”

The gathering concluded with the screening of ‘The Lift’, a short film shot in Oman, portraying a man with dementia who loses his way home and is helped by a passer-by.