December 08, 2023
Test to pick up early dementia in Māori
The University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research has developed a new screening process aimed at identifying early dementia in Māori.
Its deputy director Māori, Makarena Dudley, says the effects of dementia can become noticeable in Māori 10 years earlier than for pākeha.
She says standard assessments can feel foreign to Māori, so the MANA or Māori Assessment of Neuropsychological Abilities test includes words, pictures and concepts familiar to most Māori.
“We’ve included a wairua component. And this is in response to the kōrero, again from the kaumātua – who we interviewed around the motu – who said the most important aspect of their health and wellbeing is their wairua, their spirituality,” Dr Dudley says.
The centre will do a prevalence study next year with the aim of getting a more accurate picture of the extent of dementia in Māori communities.