2019

Authors

Kristina Zawaly, Simon A. Moyes, Phil C. Wood, Gary Cheung, Anna Rolleston, Stephen Buetow, Lynette Tippett, Ngaire Kerse

Abstract

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.

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.

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.

Publication Link

https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/j.trci.2019.08.006