A first approach to MCI and Dementia prevalence through Q-RUDAS in the elderly Quechua population

Abstract Background: The Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) has proven to be one of the best instruments of cognitive function evaluation in illiterate and low-educated participants; it is easy to adapt in different countries, languages, and cultures, showing good validation properties. In Peru, we are working to bring this instrument to Quechua speakers. The present study aimed to obtain the first approach to cognitive prevalence in elderly individuals in their native language. Methods: After 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 of 65.04 ± 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-RUDAS scores. Additionally, we asked the patients open-ended questions about the test adaptation. We excluded 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 validation studies to have an initial approach to cognitive prevalence. Results: We include 493 participants without relevant medical history. Participants understood all Q-RUDAS items but reported difficulties with visuospatial construction (more than 50% could not draw the cube, more than 25% failed to draw some parts, and around 20% drew it accordingly). The mean score of Q-RUDAS was 26.01 ± 2.71. We found that 446 participants have standard scores (26.67 ± 1.92), 41 MCI (21.49 ± 1.92), and 6 participants that meet scores of dementias (17.00 ± 2.71). Besides, differences were found in the total score regarding the precedence area of participants, with Urban´s having an increased score. Conclusion: The previously adapted RUDAS test to Quechua (Q-RUDAS) in Peru was well understood among native patients. This culturally sensitive tool is essential for diagnosing dementia in indigenous populations, but more studies are needed, such as cross-validation studies. An initial approach of the prevalence of MCI and dementia is around 9.52 % in the native population.