Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2005;63(3-A):583-587 INFLUENCE OF AGE AND SCHOOLING ON THE PERFORMANCE IN A MODIFIED MINI-MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION VERSION

ABSTRACT- Perf o rmance in cognitive tests can be influenced by age and education level. In developing countries, formal education is limited for most people. Application of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test, in its original version could have an adverse effect on the evaluation of low educated and elderly individuals. O b j e c t i v e: To assess the cognitive perf o rmance of low and middle educated old peo-ple in a modified version of the adapted to portuguese language MMSE. M e t h o d: A study was carr i e d out enrolling 253 individuals, aged 60 to 90 years included in different schooling levels. Four educational g roups were studied: illiterate;1-4 schooling years; 5-8 schooling years and over 8 schooling years. Besides