Prevalence of dementia in selected Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

TL;DR

This study finds that dementia is common in the Middle East and North Africa, with higher rates in women and significant differences between countries.

Contribution

The study provides the first pooled prevalence estimate of dementia in the MENA region using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Findings

The pooled dementia prevalence in the MENA region is 12.16%.

Dementia is more prevalent in women (13.84%) than in men (8.69%).

Israel has the highest dementia prevalence (17.00%) in the region.

Abstract

Data on dementia epidemiology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is limited. This systematic review and meta‐analysis examined dementia prevalence across MENA. Databases were searched up to October 2024. Analyses were stratified by country and sex. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random‐effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Fifty‐two studies on the selected countries met inclusion criteria, covering 87,219 individuals with dementia from a total population of 1,045,908. The pooled prevalence was 12.16% (95% CI: 9.61–14.96) for the region and the Israel had the highest prevalence (17.00%), followed by Iran (13.20%), Turkey (11.40%), Saudi Arabia (8.34%), and Egypt (6.86%). Dementia was more common in women than men (13.84% vs. 8.69%). Dementia is prevalent in MENA, with significant variation across countries. The region's aging population highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of dementia trends.

Dementia is common in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but there is a major gap in research across the region.The pooled prevalence of dementia in the MENA region is 12.16%.Dementia is more common among women (13.84%) compared to men (8.69%).Dementia prevalence varies significantly across MENA countries.

Dementia is common in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but there is a major gap in research across the region.

The pooled prevalence of dementia in the MENA region is 12.16%.

Dementia is more common among women (13.84%) compared to men (8.69%).

Dementia prevalence varies significantly across MENA countries.

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