Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

The SYMBOL Study: A Population-Based Study on Health and Cognition in Immigrant Older Adults in the Netherlands

Parlevliet JL, Uysal-Bozkir O, Goudsmit M, Campen JPCMV, Schmand B and Rooij SED

Introduction: In the Netherlands, older adults of Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese descent form the largest groups of “first-generation immigrants”. Next decade, they will comprise 5% of the general Dutch population. When compared to native Dutch, rates of general health problems and chronic diseases are higher among older immigrants. With the aging of the first generation immigrants and the higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are expected to increase as well. This paper presents the design of a population-based, cross-sectional cohort study to assess prevalence of MCI and dementia in the largest immigrant groups in the Netherlands.

Methods/Design: Participants, aged 55 years and older, of Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan (Arabic and Berber speaking), and Surinamese (Hindi and Sranantongo speaking) background, will be recruited via their general practitioners. Main outcome is the prevalence of MCI and dementia in these largest immigrant groups in the Netherlands. Secondary outcomes are prevalence of other relevant health problems in older immigrant adults, e.g. comorbidity, loneliness, depression, health related quality of life, care needs and use of care by older immigrant adults with diagnosed dementia. Cognitive functioning is assessed by the Cross Cultural Dementia screening, which was designed specifically for illiterate or low-educated people from different cultures speaking different languages. Secondary outcomes will be assessed by means of a systematic comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Discussion: This study will provide important information on the prevalence of MCI and dementia and related comorbidity in older immigrants in the Netherlands.