Minoritised ethnic groups and modifiable dementia risk: a scoping review of UK-based evidence

People from minoritised ethnic groups are more likely to be impacted by dementia. In the general population, dementia may be prevented or delayed by up to 40% by reducing risk in 12 modifiable risk factors (MRF). However, minoritised ethnic groups are not systematically included.

We conducted a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute guidance to map: (1) which minoritised ethnic groups have been included in UK research on dementia MRF, (2) for which MRF and (3) using which research methods.

Eligible studies analysed one or more of the 12 MRFs among minoritised ethnic groups.

Medline, Embase Classic+Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL and grey literature were searched.

Patient and public involvement with minoritised ethnic groups and professionals informed the data extraction tool. We use frequencies and graphs in data description.

We screened 7748 records, assessed 122 full text records and included 14 studies, which mostly used broad ethnic groups. Hypertension, diabetes and depression were studied as predictors of dementia in 10, eight and six studies, respectively, compared with low social contact and air pollution in just two each. Measures of MRF lacked consistency, and data per ethnic group were not reported in several studies. Research examining interactions in combinations of MRFs was lacking.

More research is needed with specific ethnic groups, consistent measures and focusing on discrimination and MRF interaction and severity. This will be key to personalised risk reduction with diverse communities.