Dementia in the Middle East and North Africa: an integrative narrative review of epidemiology, risk structure, and health system implications

Iman Dajani; Anns Mahboob; Shahad Sabaawi Ibrahim; Raghad Sabawi Ibrahim; Mohsen Sedighi; Zahra Shirzadi; Simin Mahinrad; Serena Sabatini; Ahmad R. Khatoonabadi; Matthew Prina; Carolina B Castro; Jessica L Mantegna; Anthony Akkari; Akram A. Hosseini; Ralph Martins; Claire V Burley; Jennifer Dunne; Blossom CM Stephan; Hamid R. Sohrabi; Ali Chaari

doi:10.7189/jogh.16.04181

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Dementia in the Middle East and North Africa: an integrative narrative review of epidemiology, risk structure, and health system implications

Journal article

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Dementia in the Middle East and North Africa: an integrative narrative review of epidemiology, risk structure, and health system implications

Iman Dajani, Anns Mahboob, Shahad Sabaawi Ibrahim, Raghad Sabawi Ibrahim, Mohsen Sedighi, Zahra Shirzadi, Simin Mahinrad, Serena Sabatini, Ahmad R. Khatoonabadi, Matthew Prina, …

Journal of global health, Vol.16, 04181

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.16.04181

PMID: 42464964

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Abstract

Africa, Northern - epidemiology

Dementia - epidemiology

Humans

Middle East - epidemiology

Prevalence

Risk Factors

Dementia prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to rise exponentially, with estimates suggesting increases of 367% by 2050. This region faces distinctive challenges, including rapid demographic transition, high rates of modifiable risk factors, and fragmented health systems. This paper examines region-specific risk factors and pooled prevalence rates of dementia across the MENA region. We conducted a narrative review of dementia risk factors in the MENA region, including analysis of population-attributable risk (PAR) estimates and pooled estimates of dementia prevalence among adults aged 50 years and older. Dementia prevalence was estimated at 1.84% among individuals aged 50 years and older, increasing to 3.81% among those aged 60 years and older, with substantial variability across countries. Smoking (>30%), physical inactivity ( ~ 50%), and high burdens of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were consistently associated with increased dementia risk. Additional region-specific drivers include nutritional transitions, gut dysbiosis, consanguinity, and environmental risk factors such as air pollution and climate-related heat stress. Critical barriers to prevention and care include limited research infrastructure, low health literacy, stigma, and inequitable health care access. Dementia prevalence in MENA is rising rapidly, driven by demographic change and high exposure to modifiable risk factors that are relatively region-specific in terms of their contribution. Strengthening prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care should be regional health priorities.

Details

Title: Dementia in the Middle East and North Africa: an integrative narrative review of epidemiology, risk structure, and health system implications
Authors/Creators: Iman Dajani - Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
Anns Mahboob - Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
Shahad Sabaawi Ibrahim - Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
Raghad Sabawi Ibrahim - Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
Mohsen Sedighi - Iran University of Medical Sciences
Zahra Shirzadi - Massachusetts General Hospital
Simin Mahinrad - Alzheimer's Association
Serena Sabatini - University of Surrey
Ahmad R. Khatoonabadi - Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Matthew Prina - Newcastle University
Carolina B Castro - Murdoch University
Jessica L Mantegna - Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science
Anthony Akkari - Murdoch University
Akram A. Hosseini - Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Ralph Martins - Macquarie University
Claire V Burley - Curtin University
Jennifer Dunne - Curtin University
Blossom CM Stephan - Curtin University
Hamid R. Sohrabi (Corresponding Author) - Murdoch University, Centre for Healthy Ageing
Ali Chaari (Corresponding Author) - Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
Publication Details: Journal of global health, Vol.16, 04181
Publisher: International Society of Global Health
Number of pages: 18
Identifiers: 991005907178907891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Psychology; Centre for Healthy Ageing; Health Futures Institute; Personalised Medicine Centre
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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