Dementia, Diabetes, and Physical Inactivity in Global Majority Populations: A Meta-Narrative Review and Recommendations

Hossain, Muhammad

Dementia, Diabetes, and Physical Inactivity in Global Majority Populations: A Meta-Narrative Review and Recommendations

Hossain, Muhammad (2026) Dementia, Diabetes, and Physical Inactivity in Global Majority Populations: A Meta-Narrative Review and Recommendations. Journal of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease, 3 (2). p. 28. ISSN 3042-4518

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Official URL: https://www.mdpi.com/3042-4518/3/2/28

Abstract

Background: Dementia and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represent two of the most pressing global public health challenges of our time, both exacerbated by physical inactivity. These conditions disproportionately affect Global Majority populations, who experience earlier onset, higher prevalence, and poorer access to culturally appropriate preventive care. However, conventional research and interventions often overlook the sociocultural and structural factors that underpin this disparity. This study synthesises current evidence to understand how these three conditions intersect and to identify equitable pathways for prevention and support. Methods: A meta-narrative review approach was employed to integrate evidence from diverse biomedical, public health, sociocultural and intervention science traditions. Searches were undertaken across MEDLINE/PubMed-adapted searches, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, AMED and ASSIA, supplemented by grey literature searching and citation chasing. Five meta-narratives were identified: biomedical and epidemiological, public health, health disparities, sociocultural and behavioural, and intervention science. Cross-narrative synthesis produced a conceptual framework linking upstream determinants, lifestyle factors, and disease outcomes. Results: The review revealed that structural inequities such as deprivation, environmental barriers and sociocultural factors including stigma, gendered norms, limited access to culturally appropriate facilities that restrict physical activity (PA) opportunities within Global Majority communities. These constraints elevate T2D and dementia risk through biological pathways involving insulin resistance, vascular injury, and neuroinflammation. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) interventions particularly those delivered in trusted cultural or faith settings emerged as effective strategies to improve PA, glycaemic control, and cognitive well-being. Conclusions: This synthesis reframes dementia and diabetes as interlinked within a wider syndemic driven by structural and sociocultural inequities. The proposed framework underscores the importance of culturally grounded, community-led approaches to promote brain health, reduce risk, and achieve equitable healthy ageing among Global Majority populations.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3390/jdad3020028
Dates:	Date Event 18 May 2026 Accepted 8 June 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	dementia, diabetes, physical inactivity, global majority populations, community-based participatory research
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-01 - health sciences (non-specific)
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	22 Jun 2026 12:38
Last Modified:	22 Jun 2026 12:38
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17076