Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
2019

Cognitive disorders in migrants: retrospective analysis in a Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Milan (Article)

Cova I.* , Del Tedesco F. , Maggiore L. , Pantoni L. , Pomati S.
  • a Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Neurology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi, 74, Milan, 20157, Italy
  • b Luigi Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
  • c Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Neurology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi, 74, Milan, 20157, Italy
  • d Luigi Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
  • e Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Neurology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi, 74, Milan, 20157, Italy

Abstract

Background: The number of migrants with dementia in Italy might increase considerably over the coming years due to the increasing flow of immigration and the aging of the population. Aims: We retrospectively registered rate and characteristics of demented migrant outpatients referred to one hospital in Milan from 2001 to 2017. Methods: Information about country of origin of migrants attending general neurology and memory clinics was obtained from their Italian tax code. Socio-demographic, cultural, and clinical characteristics were derived from their medical records. Results: Migrants with cognitive decline represented a minimal fraction (3.1%) of demented outpatients, but a grow rate of 400% was registered within the period of observation. A linguistic barrier resulted as the main obstacle for the application of available diagnostic tools for dementia. Discussion/conclusion: Given the above-reported data, the implementation of strategies (such as transcultural diagnostic instruments) and policies dedicated to this growing health problem appears a priority for our health systems. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Author Keywords

Dementia Italy Cognitive disorders Migrants

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85067677897&doi=10.1007%2fs40520-019-01224-4&partnerID=40&md5=96ecace4fc7875ccba1ec2cbd423f3b7
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-019-01224-4
ISSN: 15940667
Original Language: English