Report: Dementia in refugees and migrants – epidemiology, public health implications and global responses
Evidence Hub
This report has been developed as part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series.
NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria Dementia Research Fellow Tamlyn Watermeyer is a contributing author.
Introduction
This is the sixth report of the Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM) series.
More older people are being forcedly displaced by food insecurity, climate change, natural disasters and conflict, and they also face specific challenges that are not being considered in preparedness and response plans to crises. Consequently, the number of older refugees and migrants is rapidly increasing worldwide, and dementia among refugees and migrants is
attracting growing attention.
The publication examines the challenges faced by older refugees and migrants, particularly in managing dementia, by reviewing the available evidence on risk factors, barriers to care, and the impact of migration on diagnosis and treatment. It highlights key themes, including access to health services, cultural and structural barriers, and the need for dementia-inclusive policies and support systems.