Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Diagnostic accuracy of a global cognitive screen for Māori and non-Māori octogenarians
Kristina Zawaly1, Simon A Moyes1, Phil C Wood2
1Department of General Practice & Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Introduction:
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.
More Related Videos
06:58Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
06:23The 4 Mountains Test: A Short Test of Spatial Memory with High Sensitivity for the Diagnosis of Pre-dementia Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: October 13, 2016