Table 2 Recommendations for the Jordanian Government to include in its National Dementia Plan to address the cognitive needs of aging Syrian refugees
Recommendations | Objectives | Action Items |
|---|---|---|
Advance research to understand the cognitive needs of aging Syrian refugees | Advancing scientific research and international collaboration to improve the understanding of dementia prevalence, risk factors, protective factors, and effective interventions among Syrian refugees will build the foundation for preventing dementia within this population | - Conduct dementia epidemiological studies in the Syrian refugee population - Develop and implement tailored interventions to prevent cognitive decline - Ensure parallel studies for refugees in camps and/or inclusion of encamped refugees in future research |
Reinforce awareness of the risk and protective factors of dementia | By reinforcing the correct knowledge Syrian refugees already have on dementia risk and protection, they will be empowered to take action to protect their own health and reduce their risk of developing dementia | - Leverage existing sources of health information and generational wisdom (older community leaders as cultural assets) - Implement dementia stigma reduction strategies - Develop feasible recommendations for dementia protection |
Invest in healthy/age-friendly housing and neighborhoods | Syrian refugees, like any other group, must be supported by housing options and environments that foster healthy lifestyles, allowing them to engage in healthy behaviors | - Support community garden projects - Implement smoking cessation programs - Provide community mental health and psychosocial support - Encourage social interaction through spiritual spaces - Encourage walking and other forms of physical exercise - Offer inspection and housing options for household crowding |
Remove healthcare barriers to promote care-seeking behaviors | Improving access to care can decrease chronic diseases that are risk factors for dementia, and incentivize Syrian refugees to discuss their cognitive aging needs and dementia prevention with their healthcare providers | - Subsidize cost of healthcare utilization - Protocolize dementia screenings during doctor visits, especially in primary care - Expand mental health services - Train healthcare staff on anti-discrimination strategies |
Expand assistance and funding to support basic living needs | By allowing Syrian refugees to meet their basic needs, they will develop the capacity to engage in healthier lifestyles and build cognitive reserve to support healthy aging | - Provide unconditional cash transfers - Invest in affordable housing - Establish and allow for employment opportunities (without the need for work permits/sponsors) |