Public Health.

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Dementia Prevention
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Depression is a modifiable dementia risk factor, disproportionately affecting minority ethnic (ME) populations who receive less treatment.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are first-line for depression and may prevent dementia.
• Existing reviews overlook non-pharmacological depression treatments for ME individuals aged 40+.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map international evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for depression in ME populations aged 40 and above.
• To identify gaps in research and clinical practice for this under-served group.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted up to December 2024.
• Searched multiple databases including Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase.
• Included studies on non-pharmacological depression interventions for ME populations aged 40+, with independent screening by two authors.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one studies identified six interventions: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Behavioural Activation, Mindfulness-based, Logo-Autobiography, Social Group, and Reminiscence Therapy.
• Interventions were adapted through translation, use of target languages, and incorporation of cultural norms.
• Most studies focused on African American populations in the USA, revealing a lack of UK-based interventions for ME adults.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for UK-focused, culturally adapted non-pharmacological depression interventions for ME adults.
• Increased recruitment of ME individuals aged 40+ for randomized controlled trials is crucial.
• Culturally adapted, co-produced interventions and integrated cognitive assessments are recommended to improve depression recovery and potentially prevent dementia.