Global dilemma of aging gets world stage in Dubai

Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, autoimmune disease and Alzheimer's disease are among the major age-related medical issues which will come under the microscope at the Middle East Anti-Aging Congress (MEAAC), taking place from March 29-31 at the state-of-the-art Dubai International Convention Centre.

Event management and marketing specialists Streamline Marketing have joined forces with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) to launch the new three-day conference and exhibition, which aims to encourage research and education, boost public awareness, and help change the region's perception of the anti-aging process.

MEAAC (www.antiagingmiddleeast.com) will introduce Middle East healthcare professionals to the latest approaches and treatments available to slow, stop and even reverse age-related diseases. It is being fully supported by the UAE Ministry of Health, and backed by support partner Middle East Medical, one of the region's most comprehensive trade publications for the medical industry.

Running alongside the conference will be a major exhibition in which leading pharmaceutical companies, private clinics and hospitals will showcase the latest anti-aging products, services and treatment options to a captive audience of physicians from every medical discipline.

Visitors to the congress will include scientists, nutritionists, gerontologists, chiropractors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical chemists and research specialists, nurses, general practitioners, family practitioners, naturopathic doctors, dentists, weight management specialists, internists, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and all other health practitioners interested in introducing anti-aging medicine into their practice.

With its massive investment in the healthcare industry and rapidly increasing population, Dubai has been chosen to host the annual international conference which has previously been staged in Spain, Belgium, Brazil, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, Japan and the US.

"In less than 30 years, for instance, retirees will make up more than a third of the population in Europe and North America, and one person in ten will reach the age of 100," said Joanne Evans, director of Streamline Marketing. "Economic development and changes in society will most likely bring the same patterns to the Arabian Gulf countries, so the degenerative diseases of aging should be an ongoing concern to medical practitioners in the region."

Added Evans: "Research has shown that if the aging process can be slowed, more than 50% of all diseases can be eliminated. We're pleased to have linked up with A4M to stage an event which will go some way to highlighting the problems of aging, and look for solutions to improve 'quality of life'." With nearly 12,000 members in 70 countries, A4M is the world's only professional organisation dedicated to advancing research and clinical trials that enhance the quality and extend the quantity of the human lifespan.

The conference will address disease prevention as well as surgical and non-invasive methods to slow the aging of skin, the latest obesity prevention and weight management techniques and new insights for optimal maintenance of physical vitality. Delegates will also receive analysis on research that could change the face of healthcare, including innovative new treatment methods and diagnostic techniques now being employed in real-life situations.