Mental health of migrant elders - the Islington study

Background In 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 ethni c elders are particularly vulnerable to mental illness. Aims To compare the prevalence of dementia and depression in older migrants with those born in the UK. Method A cross-sectional community study of 1085 people aged 65 years or ol der in an inner-London borough. Results Compared with those born in the UK, the prevalence of dementia was raised in African-Carib beans (17.3%, relative risk=1.72, CI=1.06-2.81) and lower for the Irish-born (3.6%, relative risk=0.36,CI=0.17-0.87). All thos e 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% CI=16.1-20.7). The highest prevalence rate was found among those born in G reece and Turkey (27.2%, CI=17.9-39.6). Migration per se does not appear to be a risk for depression and dementia in this population. Conclusions The excess of dementia may be of vascular aetiology. There is t he potential for primary or secondary prevention.