The standard cognitive screening and assessment tests used to help with the diagnostic process for dementia mate wareware in Aotearoa NZ have not been validated on Māori, for example, the Mini-ACE. These instruments have poor specificity and sensitivity when applied to people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Studies have shown that cognitive testing is culturally biased (1,2), and this has been reiterated in studies conducted with Māori (3,4). That's why the MANA is so important. It's a culturally validated and appropriate suite of tools including a cognitive test that can improve the accuracy of dementia mate wareware diagnosis for clinicians working with Māori whānau. Let's work together to ensure that all people, regardless of their cultural background, receive accurate and timely diagnosis of dementia mate wareware.
