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Validation of the Kimberley Cognitive Assessment (KICA-Cog) for Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Sarah G Russell1,2,3, Rachel Quigley1,2,3, Fintan Thompson3
1College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to validate the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment-Cognitive Component (KICA-Cog) adapted for dementia screening in Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Methods:
Data were obtained from a broader dementia prevalence study completed in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area between 2015 and 2018. Modifications were made to items from the original KICA-Cog to ensure they were culturally appropriate for the Torres Strait. All participants completed a KICA-Cog and had a comprehensive dementia assessment with a geriatrician experienced in cross-cultural assessment.
Results:
A total of 255 Torres Strait residents aged 45 years and over completed a KICA-Cog and underwent geriatric assessment. The adapted KICA-Cog showed good validity for dementia diagnosis with a cut point of 33/34 associated with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 92% with an area under the ROC curve of 0.91.
Conclusions:
The KICA-Cog, when modified for the Torres Strait, is a valid cognitive screening tool for dementia. Caution is required when interpreting test scores, as the adapted KICA-Cog had slightly lower sensitivity (ability to detect people with dementia) than the original KICA-Cog. As with all short cognitive tests, individuals with a low KICA-Cog scores should undergo further medical investigations before a dementia diagnosis is considered.
