European Journal of Neurology
Volume 26, Issue 9, 2019, Pages 1191-1199

Estimating dementia cases amongst migrants living in Europe (Article)

Canevelli M.* , Lacorte E. , Cova I. , Zaccaria V. , Valletta M. , Raganato R. , Bruno G. , Bargagli A.M. , Pomati S. , Pantoni L. , Vanacore N.
  • a Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy, National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
  • b National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
  • c Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, ‘Luigi Sacco’ University Hospital, Milan, Italy
  • d Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
  • e Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
  • f Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
  • g Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University, Rome, Italy
  • h Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
  • i Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, ‘Luigi Sacco’ University Hospital, Milan, Italy
  • j Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences ‘Luigi Sacco’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
  • k National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy

Abstract

Background and purpose: The phenomenon of dementia amongst migrants and ethnic minorities represents an emerging concern for European healthcare systems, posing additional challenges in terms of clinical approach, access to care and resource utilization. The aim of the present study was to estimate the cases of dementia amongst immigrant older subjects living in Europe and in each European country. Methods: The estimated cases of dementia amongst older (i.e. 65+) migrants living in the European Union (EU-28) and European Free Trade Association member states were calculated by multiplying the number of migrants (obtained through the data provided by Eurostat) with the age- and sex-specific prevalence rates (derived by a recent meta-analysis). Results: Overall, 6 507 360 older migrants lived in Europe in 2017. In addition, 1 204 671 migrants were registered in Germany in 2010. Nearly 475 000 dementia cases (329 028 women, 147 410 men) were estimated in this population by applying age- and sex-specific prevalence rates. When considering each European country, the number of estimated cases ranged from 108 (Iceland) to 119 161 (France). In parallel, the proportion of dementia cases occurring in migrants ranged from 0.9% (Czech Republic) to 51.2% (Liechtenstein). Conclusions: The issue of dementia in migrants and ethnic minorities is emerging but already relevant for European healthcare systems. The magnitude of this phenomenon and its complexities reinforce the need for coordinated initiatives both at a national and continental level. These epidemiological data should ideally be integrated with those coming from ‘real world’ services in order to better calibrate these actions. © 2019 EAN

Author Keywords

Dementia Migration cognitive disturbances cross-cultural assessment Public health Epidemiology

Index Keywords

Netherlands Romania Germany immigrant Finland Slovenia Norway Dementia Portugal Croatia France Europe European human Denmark Poland priority journal Aged Liechtenstein Lithuania Estonia Slovakia Czech Republic Iceland Latvia Hungary Cyprus Luxembourg Bulgaria Sweden migrant Ireland male Spain female very elderly Greece European Union Belgium prevalence Article major clinical study meta analysis (topic) age United Kingdom Austria Italy Malta sex Switzerland
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85066097624&doi=10.1111%2fene.13964&partnerID=40&md5=49e3f5d01d28701cb530962ae5462476
DOI: 10.1111/ene.13964
ISSN: 13515101
Original Language: English