Open AccessDiagnostic accuracy of a global cognitive screen for Māori and non‐Māori octogenarians
Author(s) -
Zawaly Kristina,
Moyes Simon A.,
Wood Phil C.,
Cheung Gary,
Rolleston Anna,
Buetow Stephen,
Tippett Lynette,
Kerse Ngaire
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2019.08.006
Subject(s) - cognition , psychology , psychiatry
We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the Modified Mini–Mental State Examination (3MS) in predicting dementia and cognitive impairment in Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand) and non‐Māori octogenarians. Methods A subsample of participants from Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand were recruited to determine the 3MS diagnostic accuracy compared with the reference standard. Results Seventy‐three participants (44% Māori) completed the 3MS and reference standard assessments. The 3MS demonstrated strong diagnostic accuracy to detect dementia with areas under the curve of 0.87 for Māori and 0.9 for non‐Māori. Our cutoffs displayed ethnic variability and are approximately 5 points greater than those commonly applied. Cognitive impairment yielded low accuracy, and discriminatory power was not established. Discussion Cutoffs that are not age or ethnically appropriate may compromise the accuracy of cognitive screens. Consequently, older age and indigeneity increase the risk of mislabeled cognitive status.