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Prevalence of dementia and depression among elderly people in Black and ethnic minorities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

C. F. M. McCracken ,
M. A. Boneham ,
J. R. M. Copeland ,
K. E. Williams ,
K. Wilson ,
A. Scott ,
P. McKibbin  and
N. Cleave
C. F. M. McCracken*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
M. A. Boneham
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
J. R. M. Copeland
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
K. E. Williams
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
K. Wilson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
A. Scott
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
P. McKibbin
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
N. Cleave
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool
*
C. F. M. McCracken, Department of Psychiatry, University of Liverpool, University Clinical Departments, Duncan Building, Liverpool L69 3GA
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Abstract

Background

This study was designed to identify all elderly people of ethnic minorities living in a defined geographical area in inner-city Liverpool and to identify psychiatric morbidity and barriers to use of services. This paper reports the prevalence of dementia and depression.

Method

A survey of the community was carried out using the Geriatric Mental State Examination, AGECAT and ethnically matched interviewers. The sampling frame consisted of Family Health Services Authority lists as a basis, with additional information from community lists, ‘snow-balling’ and a door-to-door survey.

Results

418 people were interviewed, with a high percentage (55%) of young elderly (65–74) men. The prevalence of dementia ranged from 2 to 9% and of depression from 5 to 19%, and there were no significant differences in levels between English-speaking ethnic groups and the indigenous population. Higher levels of dementia were found among non-English-speaking groups.

Conclusions

A complete enumeration of the elderly in ethnic minority groups is best achieved by using several different methods. Diagnosis of dementia may be misleading among those who do not speak the dominant language.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 3 , September 1997 , pp. 269 - 273
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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