Cultural modification of neuropsychiatric assessment: complexities to consider.

Cognitive screening tests are culture bound and have been shown to perform differently depending on the culture, even with adequate translation. Khan et al examine in detail ways in which the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been modified for different languages and cultures and produce a systematic guide for future modifications. However, questions arise regarding the availability of the MoCA.

Should a CT Head be a standard part of the diagnostic process for dementia in New Zealand?

Timely diagnosis of dementia is being encouraged in both primary and secondary care settings in New Zealand via the creation and promotion of internet-based dementia clinical pathways. There is no national consensus about the circumstances in which neuroimaging should be recommended and funded within these pathways. This lack of agreement is driven by uncertainty about the rationale for neuroimaging in the diagnosis of dementia as well as the costs involved.

Geographic variation in psychotropic drug utilisation among older people in New Zealand.

Aim: To examine psychotropic drug utilisation in older people in New Zealand by age, sex, health board domicile and deprivation status.

Methods: A repeated cross-sectional analysis of population-based drug utilisation data stratified by age, sex, ethnicity, health board and deprivation status was conducted from 2005 to 2013.

Results: Psychotropic utilisation increased between 2005 and 2013 (ranging from 7.