LAUSR

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.