A-31: Performance on the RUDAS by Neurocognitive Status in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Clinical Population

Abstract

Objective: The Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is a cognitive screen intended for culturally and linguistically diverse older adults. However, evidence of its use with clinical samples in the United States (US) is limited. This study examined whether RUDAS scores differed between patients with no neurocognitive disorder (NCD), mild NCD, and major NCD. Method/Data Selection: A retrospective chart review in a community hospital’s outpatient neuropsychology clinic was conducted. Participants included 64 adults ages 54-91 (M = 71.9) with 0-18 years of education (M = 8.8). Participants represented 20 countries and 14 primary languages, including Haitian Creole (23.4%), Portuguese (21.9%), and Spanish (18.8%). Diagnostic groups included no NCD (n = 25), mild NCD (n = 21), and major NCD (n = 18). Nonparametric analyses were conducted. Results/Data Synthesis: Mean RUDAS scores were 26.0 (no NCD), 24.1 (mild NCD), and 19.7 (major NCD). Scores differed significantly by diagnosis (H = 24.85, p < .01), with major NCD lower than both mild NCD (p = .01) and no NCD (p < .01); mild and no NCD groups did not differ. RUDAS scores were not associated with education levels (ρ = -0.03, p = .82) or age (ρ = -0.23, p = .072). Conclusions: Preliminary findings support the RUDAS as a culturally appropriate screening tool for distinguishing major NCD in culturally diverse clinical populations in the US. However, scores did not meaningfully differ between no NCD and mild NCD, suggesting reduced sensitivity for early-stage or mild cognitive impairment. Future research is needed to analyze larger samples and linguistic and etiological subgroups.