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Objectives The aim of this study was to compare demographic and clinical features of patients from Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) with those from English Speaking Background (ESB) who attended a memory clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Methods Data on 556 consecutive patients attending the memory clinic were analysed retrospectively. All patients were assessed by a geriatrician (Italian speaking) or psychogeriatrician with the aid of Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders in the Elderly (CAMDEX) interview schedule. Patients were classified into the categories of dementia, functional psychiatric disorder (including depression), cognitive impairment other than dementia and normal, using ICD 10 criteria. Severity of dementia was determined using the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Demographic information and use of community services were also documented. Results Of those seen, 148 (28.8%) were of NESB, the majority Italian (69, 12.4%). Patients of NESB were younger (p = 0.001), less educated (p = 0.001) and less likely to live alone (p = 0.009) compared to persons of ESB. Those of NESB were more likely present with a functional psychiatric disorder (particularly depression) or normal cognition (p = 0.001). Patients of NESB with dementia presented at a later stage of their disease as determined by CDR (p = 0.003). Those of NESB scored significantly lower (more impaired) on CAMCOG in all patients seen (including normal and psychiatric groups) (p = 0.02). Conclusions The clinical and demographic features of people of NESB referred to a memory clinic in Melbourne, Australia, differ from their ESB counterparts, with specific groups being under represented. This has implications for equity of assessment, service provision and utilisation for those of ethnically diverse backgrounds. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]