Dementia: A review from the Arab region

Objective: To conduct a review of studies about dementia in the Arab region up to 2012. Methods: Specific keywords were used in the search for studies, including: dementia, Alzheimer, Pick, memory impairments, pseudodementia, executive function, amnestic disorder, and amnesia. All results were screened and categorized. Epidemiological data on prevalence, age of onset, gender, other socio-demographic factors, co-morbidities, genetic risk factors and treatment patterns was collected from these studies. Results: Most studies on dementia in the Arab world focus on clinical samples. Studies have shown that dementia is associated with increasing age, and lower levels of education with differing results for gender. Also, genetic studies on dementia focus on Apolipoprotien allele ApoE E4 as a risk factor for the disease. Additionally, investigations included malnutrition, depression, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of the disease is often delayed, as symptoms are confused for being part of the ageing process. Conclusion: There is a need for nationally representative studies on dementia in the Arab world. Also, public education at the clinical and population levels is needed for earlier detection and treatment of this disorder.