Mental health of migrant elders – the Islington study

Abstract

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 ethnic 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 older in an inner-London borough.Results: Compared 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.Conclusions: The excess of dementia may be of vascular aetiology. There is the potential for primary or secondary prevention.