Asfendiyarov National Medical University
Published on 1 October 2025
The Department of Neurology at S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) continues its important series of educational events aimed at advancing practical healthcare. These efforts coincide with the 95th anniversary of KazNMU and the 90th commemoration of Professor S.K. Kaishibaev. The initiative is part of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Roadmap for Improving Neurological Medical Care for the Adult Population for 2025–2027, targeting enhanced dementia care and neurological expertise.
During the summer, the department held a cycle of educational lectures for primary healthcare physicians as part of the project titled the “Alzheimer’s Disease School.” These sessions took place on July 10, July 22, and August 22, attracting dozens of healthcare professionals from across the region. The core aim of the project is to elevate the competency of physicians by disseminating the latest knowledge on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease—one of the most urgent medical and social challenges of the 21st century.
The keynote lecture was delivered by the Chief Freelance Neurologist of the Ministry of Health and Head of the Department of Neurology at KazNMU. The presentation offered a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s disease, covering global and national prevalence data, current understandings of causes and risk factors, and highlighting innovative strategies for early diagnosis and treatment. The speaker stressed the significance of an interdisciplinary approach and early identification of cognitive impairments as critical components in improving patient outcomes.
Following the keynote, a neurologist and assistant professor at KazNMU presented a practice-oriented session on modern diagnostic tools and clinical approaches to cognitive disorders. This included a detailed overview of instrumental and neuropsychological diagnostic methods, international assessment scales, and real-life clinical cases. Attendees appreciated the practical relevance of these insights, emphasizing their immediate applicability to routine patient care in primary healthcare settings.
One of the most impactful presentations focused on the vital role of psychological and social support for families of patients living with dementia. The discussion also introduced the recently established Kazakhstan Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance—a pioneering initiative aimed at uniting efforts to enhance care quality for patients and their caregivers. This alliance fosters Kazakhstan’s integration into the international dementia care community, enabling the exchange of best practices and collaborative advancements in treatment and support frameworks.
The series of educational events generated strong interest and active participation from primary healthcare doctors. Through discussions, case studies, and up-to-date scientific findings, the “Alzheimer’s Disease School” has become a valuable resource for practitioners looking to deepen their expertise.
Key outcomes for participating physicians included:
The initiative clearly underscores the crucial role of educating primary healthcare providers as a frontline defense in early detection and intervention for Alzheimer’s disease. By equipping doctors with the latest tools and knowledge, these educational activities help improve the accessibility and effectiveness of neurological care across Kazakhstan.
The project is part of a broader national initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare professionals’ competencies in dementia diagnosis and treatment. Future plans for the Alzheimer’s Disease School include expanding training formats, integrating digital learning tools, and fostering partnerships with international experts to further elevate neurological care standards.
Such developments promise to create a sustainable model for continuous professional development, ensuring that healthcare providers remain updated on breakthroughs in dementia research and patient care methodologies.
With the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases globally and in Kazakhstan, comprehensive educational programs like the Alzheimer’s Disease School play a pivotal role in addressing this growing challenge. By focusing on both clinical excellence and family support, and by establishing collaborative alliances, Kazakhstan is advancing toward a more responsive and compassionate healthcare system for dementia patients.
This series of events, supported by Egis, highlights the commitment of the Kazakh healthcare community to enhancing neurological care, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, and improving patient outcomes through education and innovation.
