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Cognitive disorders in migrants: retrospective analysis in a Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Milan

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research volume 32, pages 535–538 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The number of migrants with dementia in Italy might increase considerably over the coming years due to the increasing flow of immigration and the aging of the population.

Aims

We retrospectively registered rate and characteristics of demented migrant outpatients referred to one hospital in Milan from 2001 to 2017.

Methods

Information about country of origin of migrants attending general neurology and memory clinics was obtained from their Italian tax code. Socio-demographic, cultural, and clinical characteristics were derived from their medical records.

Results

Migrants with cognitive decline represented a minimal fraction (3.1%) of demented outpatients, but a grow rate of 400% was registered within the period of observation. A linguistic barrier resulted as the main obstacle for the application of available diagnostic tools for dementia.

Discussion/conclusion

Given the above-reported data, the implementation of strategies (such as transcultural diagnostic instruments) and policies dedicated to this growing health problem appears a priority for our health systems.

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Fig. 1

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Neurology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi, 74, 20157, Milan, Italy

    I. Cova, L. Maggiore & S. Pomati

  2. Luigi Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

    F. Del Tedesco & L. Pantoni

Authors
  1. I. Cova
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  2. F. Del Tedesco
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  3. L. Maggiore
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  4. L. Pantoni
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  5. S. Pomati
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to I. Cova.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval

The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Helsinki declaration.

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Informed consent from all participants was obtained.

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Cova, I., Del Tedesco, F., Maggiore, L. et al. Cognitive disorders in migrants: retrospective analysis in a Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Milan. Aging Clin Exp Res 32, 535–538 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-019-01224-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-019-01224-4

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