Feasibility of using everyday abilities scale of India as alternative to mental state examination as a screen in two-phase survey estimating the prevalence of dementia in largely illiterate Indian population.

INTRODUCTION: A situation analysis report on elderly in India shows that the literacy rate for persons aged above 60 is 36%. Using HMSE and its modification in the first phase of a two phase study to estimate the prevalence of dementia in such a population must be read with caution as these tests are literacy dependent. We conducted a post hoc analysis to explore the feasibility of using EASI as an alternative to HMSE and its modifications as the first phase screen in two phase surveys to estimate the prevalence of dementia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A post hoc analysis was conducted on data obtained from a study conducted on elderly population (60 years and above) from selected geographical areas (Migrant, Urban, Rural and Tribal) of Himachal Pradesh state in North-west India. The co-relation coefficient was used to establish the strength of association between EASI and HMSE and its modification and therefore the feasibility of using it as an alternative.

RESULTS: As the scores on EASI rise, the scores on HMSE fall both pointing to identification of the same clinical diagnosis i.e., dementia. Further the Pearson Correlation coefficient at -2.52 was found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: EASI may be used as alternative to mental state examination.