Author/Authors :
Kutlu, Ruhusen University of Selcuk - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Family Physicians, Turkey , Karaoglu, Nazan University of Selcuk - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Family Physicians, Turkey , Marakoglu, Kamile University of Selcuk - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Family Physicians, Turkey , Civi, Selma University of Selcuk - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Family Physicians, Turkey
Abstract :
Objectives: To evaluate cognitive function by using theMini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) among theelderly people in Konya, Turkey, and to examine theacceptance, and screening efficacy of the MMSE in thefamily medicine practice setting.Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study wascarried out between 15th December 2004 and 15th February2005, in Konya, Turkey. Two hundred elderly people wereincluded in the study. Participants were selected from thecases who were at least 65 years of age and older. Cognitivelevels were assessed with the MMSE. Two different MMSEforms for educated and uneducated individuals wereapplied. Socio-demographic characteristics, orientation,registry memory, attention and calculation, recall, andlanguage status were determined. The data were evaluatedwith SPSS 10.0 software.Results: Participants of 65 years of age and older (36.5%women, n=73 and 63.5% men, n=127) were included inthis study. The age interval of participants was 65 and85, and the mean age was 71.02 (SD=4.569). Of theparticipants, 66% (n=132) were uneducated, and 34%(n=68) were educated. The mean score of MMSE was23.33 (SD=4.799). The score of MMSE was consideredas normal when the value was 24 and over. Of theABSTRACTparticipants, 57% (n=114) were evaluated as normal scoreand 43% (n=86) as abnormal score. The female meanMMSE score was 21.808 (SD=5.352). The male meanMMSE score was 24.204 (SD= 4.230). It was observedthat cognitive impairment was higher among women thanmen (p=0.002). When we compared the cognitive status,there was no significant difference between uneducatedand educated people (p 0.05). The cognitive function ofparticipants with a dominant left hand was significantlylower than those with a dominant right hand (p=0.027).Conclusion: Family physicians should be able tocompetently diagnose, evaluate, and initiate treatment inmost patients with dementia. Physicians should be familiarwith psychometric instruments such as the MMSE. Theseinstruments are useful both to diagnose Alzheimer’sdementia and follow patients on therapy. The MSSEshould be used by family physicians of elderly patients, asearly diagnosis and treatment will enable patients to retainthe greatest possible functional capacity, and may allowfamilies to care for the patient successfully for a longerperiod. Consequently, early diagnosis and aggressivetreatment are crucial for people with dementia.
