Dementia in refugees and migrants: epidemiology, public health implications and global responses
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
xvi, 126 p.
Population ageing and increasing global migration are reshaping health needs worldwide, bringing growing attention to dementia among refugees and migrants as a complex public health concern. This Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration examines the epidemiology, determinants and care needs of dementia in these populations, aiming to inform evidence-based policies and responses. Drawing on a comprehensive scoping review of scientific and grey literature, the report analyses evidence on prevalence, risk factors, health literacy, access to health and social services, and the preparedness of systems to provide culturally appropriate diagnosis, care and support, structured in line with the action areas of the WHO Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017–2025. It highlights significant gaps in data, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and emergency settings, as well as challenges such as underdiagnosis, barriers to access, limited use of culturally adapted assessment tools and insufficient training of health professionals. The review also examines the experiences of carers and the inclusion of refugees and migrants in dementia policies, emphasizing the role of social determinants and migration-related factors across the care continuum. Findings underscore the need for equity-oriented, culturally sensitive approaches. Intended for policy-makers, researchers and practitioners, the report provides policy considerations to strengthen inclusive, evidence-informed responses to dementia in diverse and mobile populations.
Population ageing and increasing global migration are reshaping health needs worldwide, bringing growing attention to dementia among refugees and migrants as a complex public health concern. This Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration examines the epidemiology, determinants and care needs of dementia in these populations, aiming to inform evidence-based policies and responses. Drawing on a comprehensive scoping review of scientific and grey literature, the report analyses evidence on prevalence, risk factors, health literacy, access to health and social services, and the preparedness of systems to provide culturally appropriate diagnosis, care and support, structured in line with the action areas of the WHO Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017–2025. It highlights significant gaps in data, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and emergency settings, as well as challenges such as underdiagnosis, barriers to access, limited use of culturally adapted assessment tools and insufficient training of health professionals. The review also examines the experiences of carers and the inclusion of refugees and migrants in dementia policies, emphasizing the role of social determinants and migration-related factors across the care continuum. Findings underscore the need for equity-oriented, culturally sensitive approaches. Intended for policy-makers, researchers and practitioners, the report provides policy considerations to strengthen inclusive, evidence-informed responses to dementia in diverse and mobile populations.
Keywords
Emigrants and Immigrants, Transients and Migrants, Refugees, Vulnerable Populations, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Dementia, Emergency Medical Services, Health Services for the Aged, Long-Term Care, Health Priorities, Public Health, Cultural Diversity, Disability-Adjusted Life Years, Social Interaction, Caregivers, Quality of Health Care, Government, methods