Cognitive Limitations Among Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kindratt, Tiffany B.; Dallo, Florence J.; Zahodne, Laura B.; Ajrouch, Kristine J.
• Other Names: Guerrero Lourdes R. guest-editor.; Torres Jacqueline M. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 34:Number 9/10(2022)
• Page Start: 1244
• Page End: 1253
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Arab American -- Middle Eastern and North African -- immigrant health -- Alzheimer's disease and related dementias -- cognitive limitations -- National Health Interview Survey -- Medical Expenditure Panel Survey; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/08982643221103712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate and compare the prevalence of cognitive limitations among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe (including Russia/former USSR) and examine differences after controlling for risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data using linked 2000-2017 National Health Interview Survey and 2001–2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (ages >=65 years, n = 24, 827) were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of cognitive limitations was 17.3% among MENA immigrants compared to 9.6% and 13.6% among US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe. MENA immigrants had higher odds (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.06–3.34) of reporting a cognitive limitation than US-born non-Hispanic Whites after controlling for age, sex, education, hearing loss, hypertension, depression, social isolation, and diabetes. Discussion: To further examine cognitive health among the MENA aging population, policy changes are needed to identify this group that is often absent from research because of their federal classification as non-Hispanic Whites.