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Prevalence of Dementia in Selected Middle East and North Africa (Mena) Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Sedighi M ; Shahabi MH ; Amanollahi A ; Alam K ; Shemehsavar S ; Shirzadi Z ; Sabatini S ; Khatoonabadi AR ; Prina M ; Hosseini AA ; Burley CV ; Dunne J ; Mahinrad S ; Dajani I Show All Authors
Authors
  1. Sedighi M
  2. Shahabi MH
  3. Amanollahi A
  4. Alam K
  5. Shemehsavar S
  6. Shirzadi Z
  7. Sabatini S
  8. Khatoonabadi AR
  9. Prina M
  10. Hosseini AA
  11. Burley CV
  12. Dunne J
  13. Mahinrad S
  14. Dajani I
  15. Martins RN
  16. Stephan BCM
  17. Chaari A
  18. Sohrabi HR

Source: Alzheimer's and Dementia Published:2026


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. © 2026 The Author(s). Alzheimer's & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.