Evaluation of cognitive profile through Q‐RUDAS: first approach in Quechua Participants

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) has proven to be one ofthe best instruments of cognitive function evaluation in illiterate and low‐educated participants; it is easyto adapt in different countries, languages, and cultures, showing good validation properties. In Peru, weare working to bring this instrument to Quechua speakers. The present study aimed to obtain the firstapproach to cognitive prevalence in elderly individuals in their native language.MethodsAfter an initial pilot study (Malaga in preparation), we use the culturally and language‐adapted Q‐RUDAS in the Peruvian Quechua population of the Puno region (n = 511), with a mean age of65.04 ± 6.73 means (ranging from 59 to 92 years), 80.4% of the sample were females. We obtain socio‐demographic data (educational level, occupation, and precedence residence area) and the Q‐RUDASscores. Additionally, we asked the patients open‐ended questions about the test adaptation. Weexcluded patients with antecedents of pathologies that may interfere with the performance of the test. Verbal and signed consent were obtained. We use the previous RUDAS cut‐off from Peruvian validationstudies to have an initial approach to cognitive prevalence.ResultsWe include 502 participants without relevant medical history. Participants understood all Q‐RUDAS items but reported difficulties with visuospatial construction (more than 50% could not draw thecube, more than 25% failed to draw some parts, and around 20% drew it accordingly). The mean scoreof Q‐RUDAS was 26.01 ± 2.71. We found that 448 participants have standard scores (26.67 ± 1.92), 46MCI (21.49 ± 1.92), and 11 participants that meet scores of dementia (17.00 ± 2.71). Besides, differences were found in the total score regarding the precedence area of participants, with Urban´shaving an increased score.ConclusionThe previously adapted RUDAS test to Quechua (Q‐RUDAS) in Peru was well understoodamong native patients. This culturally sensitive tool is essential for diagnosing dementia in indigenouspopulations, but more studies are needed, such as cross‐validation studies. An initial approach of theprevalence of MCI and dementia is around 10.8% in the native population.