Mental health of migrant elders – the Islington study

Abstract

BackgroundIn the UK, 6% of those aged 65 years and over were born abroad, most of whom now live in inner-city areas. It has been suggested that ethnic elders are particularly vulnerable to mental illness.AimsTo compare the prevalence of dementia and depression in older migrants with those born in the UK.MethodA cross-sectional community study of 1085 people aged 65 years or older in an inner-London borough.ResultsCompared with those born in the UK, the prevalence of dementia was raised in African–Caribbeans (17.3%, relative risk=1.72, Cl=1.06–2.81) and lower for the Irish-born (3.6%, relative risk=0.36, Cl=0.17–0.87). All those of African–Caribbean country of birth were significantly younger (P=0.000) but no more likely to be taking antihypertensive drugs. They were no more likely to report having cardiovascular problems but had increased rates of diabetes (P < 0.0000). The overall prevalence of depression was 18.3% (95% Cl=16.1–20.7). The highest prevalence rate was found among those born in Greece and Turkey (27.2%, Cl=179–39.6). Migration per se does not appear to be a risk for depression and dementia in this population.ConclusionsThe excess of dementia may be of vascular aetiology. There is the potential for primary or secondary prevention.