Dr. Aida Mohammedeid-Neuroscientist
Inteview date :18/02/2018 by Asab Middle East
Dr. Aida Mohammedeid is founder of Asab Middle East. She has completed her degrees in KSA and UK. In a comprehensive interview with us, Dr. Mohammedeid gives answers on Neuroscience. Here are the key updates from the interview:
- AsabME: It is a pleasure to be with you today to discuss Neuroscience in Middle East.
- Dr. Mohammedeid: Thank you for inviting me.
- AsabME: Please could you give some information about Neuroscience career? Is a scientific career good for you? Is a scientific career something that you would recommend to new generation? Is a scientific career worth it?
- Dr. Mohammedeid: Neuroscientists make exciting discoveries about brain and help to solve global health problems, diseases and disorders . Why would you not want to be involved?We live in a world that is becoming increasingly dependent on science. Studying neuroscience or any other science gives a chance to understand at least some part of this and contribute to solution of difficult challenges and help to society. Scientists are making discoveries that cure various diseases, improve quality of lifes and protect peoples. Also I would like to reiterate Marie Curie quotes that "I am among those who think that science has great beauty." Challenges are inevitable and sometimes it is difficult to make progress Science is a worthy career, and I encourage the new generation to pursue it.
- AsabME: Please could you provide update about your recent initiative?
- Dr. Mohammedeid: We are working on help decreasing risk factors of neurological diseases and disorders through improving society awareness level about neurological health specifically Arabic speaking community then society can take protective measures as required. The International Brain Research Organization Global Advocacy Seed Grant is awarded for the initiative and this enabled us to complete all activities successfully. We have built a web page for this purposes and provided scientific information about neuroscience, brain, some major neurological diseases (e.g Alzheimer, ALS, MS) and disorders including suggestions to improve quality of life for patients and support treatment. We reached many people from UAE, Egypt, France, KSA, UK, US, Sweden, Italy and all around the world. We are continuing to add more content based on our stakeholders feedback and improve coverage of the topics with enhanced functionality.
- AsabME: Is there any new topic that will be published soon?
- Dr. Mohammedeid: Yes, we have prepared an information package for Epilepsy and we are completing final checks and it will be released soon.
- AsabMe: What is the importance of these works?
- Dr. Mohammedeid: There are over 400 neurological disorders. Some of them are impacting society more than others. It is important to understand prevention techniques, symptoms, treatment options in light of recent research to improve public health and decrease the burden of neurological diseases. For example Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the biggest burden. There is no cure for AD at the moment and the number of people affected with AD worldwide has increased substantially over the past few decades. The Middle-East North African (MENA) countries are impacted with AD heavily. This is a big burden for patients, their families, healthcare system and finance of the countries. By 2050, the World Health Organisation reports indicate that the number of AD cases in MENA countries will have increased by 125%.
- AsabMe: What should be done to address all these over 400 neurological diseases and disorders?
-Dr. Mohammedeid: There are substantial amount good works around the world but still there are a lot of to do and many enhancement areas. Briefly we need better collaboration in research activities among stakeholders. Activities can get benefit from better funding and latest technologies. Enhanced rules and regulation can improve efficiency of the studies. Establishing better healthcare and support systems arrangements can lead to produce better treatment models. Promoting neuroscience and establish good training facilities can help improving skill sets ad productive studies. Awareness works also one of the key activity to avoid the diseases and intervene early before the disease progresses. Briefly there are various parties who are working on this challenging task. We need to work together with improved collaboration and communication using organised and systematic approach wherever it is possible.
-AsabME: What is your plans and what comes next ?
-Dr. Mohammedeid: We are aiming to continue improving awareness regarding neuroscience and help our society to be free from all neurological disease . It is a big and challenging task and our deliveries might be a small considering our target but still we believe every little bit helps. Also we are discussing some new ideas that will potentially lead a brand new project.
AsabME: Please could you give a bit more information about the ideas and projects?
Dr. Mohammedeid: There are a few options and details analysis are in progress so we have a short list to make a decision. Probably we will conclude the chosen one with our stakeholder soon. All shortlisted ones have a common characteristic that are innovative and use technology heavily to find a solution for neurological diseases.
AsabME: Thank you very much, great to talk to you.
Dr. Mohammedeid: It`s my pleasure