Development and Validation of a Tool to Assess Associated Features of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Aim and objectives: The study aimed to develop assessment criteria for clinical features associated with mild cognitive impairment. The aim was to create and validate a questionnaire based on concepts approved by Ayurveda experts to assess patients with memory complaints associated or not associated with MCI. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in two sections in Vaidyaratnam P.S Varier Ayurveda College and Hospital, Kottakkal. The first section was to frame a new questionnaire based on experts' approved concept and validate it. A literary survey to establish the role of tridosha in the concepts of cognition with various pathological states discussed in Ayurveda was done. Four concepts were identified from analyzing the classical textbooks of Ayurveda. Three rounds of consensus building were done, and 98% consensus was obtained in considering prabuta dosha in Rasa dhatu as the critical determinant of MCI. Based on the above findings, item generation was performed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess prabuta dosha in intellectual impairment as a part of developing the Ayurvedic perspective of MCI. The tool was systematically developed through different stages, from conceptualization to factor analysis. Face validity, content validity, reliability measures were also done. Results and Conclusion: The prabuta dosha assessment questionnaire was developed and validated to assess associated clinical features of cognitive disturbances.