The challenges of achieving timely diagnosis and culturally appropriate care of people with dementia from minority ethnic groups in Europe

• Published in: International journal of geriatric psychiatry 2021-12, Vol.36 (12), p.1823-1828
• Main Authors: Gove, Dianne, Nielsen, Thomas Rune, Smits, Carolien, Plejert, Charlotta, Rauf, Mohammed Akhlak, Parveen, Sahdia, Jaakson, Siiri, Golan‐Shemesh, Daphna, Lahav, Debi, Kaur, Ripaljeet, Herz, Michal Karen, Monsees, Jessica, Thyrian, Jochen René, Georges, Jean
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: challenges; Dementia; Dementia disorders; Diagnosis; Geriatric psychiatry; Health care; intercultural; Minority & ethnic groups; recommendations; timely diagnosis; Working groups
• ISSN: 0885-6230; 1099-1166; 1099-1166
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.5614

In a just society, everyone should have equal access to healthcare in terms of prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and care. Europe is a multicultural society made up of people who identify with a wide range of ethnic groups. Many older people from minority ethnic groups also have a direct migration background. Several studies have shown that there is a lack of equity in relation to dementia diagnoses and care because equal opportunities do not necessarily translate into equal outcomes. An expert ethics working group led by Alzheimer Europe has produced an extensive report on this issue, a policy brief and a guide for health and social care workers. In this brief summary, the authors/members of the expert working group present some of the key challenges and recommendations for healthcare clinicians striving to provide timely diagnosis and good quality care and treatment to people with dementia from all ethnic groups. Key points The number of people with dementia from minority ethnic groups is steadily increasing. Timely diagnosis is essential for access to equal and appropriate dementia care for everyone. A range of interacting factors and structural discrimination hinders such timely diagnosis. Clinicians need access to training and culturally sensitive/fair and appropriately validated screening, assessment and diagnostic tools for people from minority ethnic groups.