Dementia in the MENA region uncharted challenges and emerging insights a literature review
Salwa Mowafi, Sara A. Moustafa, Malak Wahdan, Shimaa Adel Heikal, Mohamad Rosni Othman, Mohamed Salama
Abstract
Abstract Dementia is rising sharply in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), with cases projected to increase by 367% by 2050. Despite this, research remains fragmented, with limited large-scale studies and methodological inconsistencies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on dementia prevalence, risk factors, and healthcare challenges in MENA, highlighting key issues such as modifiable risk factors, healthcare fragmentation, workforce shortages, and the economic burden of informal caregiving. It also examines the impact of conflict, political instability, and climate change on dementia care. Addressing these gaps requires large-scale epidemiological studies, policy reforms, investment in healthcare infrastructure, and culturally adapted interventions. Strengthening research and healthcare systems is crucial to mitigating the region’s growing dementia crisis.