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Elderly and cognitive functions: A longitudinal research
Di Notte, D., Ylieff, M., De Lepeleire, J., Buntinx, F
Introduction
The Mini Mental State Examination has been selected for detecting QUALIDEM research sample?cognitive disorders. This gold standard is widely used. Qualidem research?s first step (1999-2002) confirmed the MMSE?s diagnosis value although diagnosis had to be support by more specifics instruments measuring various clinical aspects. Qualidem research? s second step (2002-2004) used the MMSE in a longitudinal perspective for studying cognitive functions? evolution between 2001 and 2004.
Methods
The MMSE is made of 20 items evaluating time and space orientation, memory, language, and visual graphic ability. The MMSE scoring is dichotomic and gives a global score (30/30 is optimal). It is easy to use and quick to administrate.
We used a sample of 456 subjects aged 65 years and more interviewed in 2001 and 2004. It was made up of 102 men (22%) and 354 women (78%), 119 were living at home (26%) and 337 (74%) in a nursing home. It was made up of 278 subjects coming from Flanders (Lier - 61%) and 178 from Wallonia (Verviers- 39%). The sample includes 228 demented subjects and 228 non-demented subjects.
Results
2001/2004 s?data comparison shows an overall population? cognitive disorders? increase. Nevertheless, there are some specific features according to diagnosis. Non-demented and demented subjects ?scores decrease in 2004 but non-demented scores? evolution between 2001 and 2004 has a poor clinical value whereas it is high for demented subjects. Furthermore, socio-demographic variables are involved in non-demented scores?evolution whereas it is not the case for demented subjects. These results will be discussed.
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