Cognitive ageing among older Latin American immigrants: current evidence and limitations

Abstract

Objective This review synthesises current evidence on cognitive function among older Latin American immigrants and identifies key factors associated with cognitive outcomes. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across five databases (Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, and Scopus) for peer-reviewed quantitative studies, without language restrictions. Titles and abstracts of 188 records were screened, and nine articles were selected for full-text screening. Results Overall, three studies met the inclusion criteria, all conducted in the United States of America and primarily involving Mexican-born older adults, revealing the limited geographic and ethnic diversity of the available evidence. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using standardised global cognition measures and compared with those of non-immigrant populations. These disparities were largely associated with socioeconomic disadvantages and lower educational achievements. Additional factors consistently linked to cognitive outcomes included gender, cardiometabolic health, country of origin, age at migration, and neighbourhood socioeconomic context. Conclusion Evidence on cognitive ageing among older Latin American immigrants remains limited and geographically concentrated. Greater research diversity and more precise characterisation of immigrant populations are needed to better understand cognitive ageing and to inform equitable, culturally responsive policies and interventions.