[Estimation of the prevalence of cognitive impairment according to the test used].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to compare the findings of Folstein's Mini Mental Test (MMT), Lobo's Cognitive Mini Exam (CME) and the Isaacs Set test, in their detection of cognitive deficit in over-64 year olds; and to analyse the factors associated with variability in the scores obtained with these tests.

DESIGN

An observational crossover study.

SETTING

An urban Primary Care center.

PATIENTS

Among the total of 1096 patients aged over 64 registered on 5 lists and with medical records, a random sample of 329 was chosen.

INTERVENTIONS

The MMT, CME and Set test were administered to each patient in the same interview. Information on associated morbidity and social and demographic variables was gathered.

MAIN RESULTS

211 women (64%) and 118 men (36%) completed the tests. Women were older (73.0 +/- 6 against 71.2 +/- 6; p = 0.02) and had had less schooling (3.2 +/- 3.6 years against 4.2 +/- 3.7; p = 0.019). A higher percentage of women were illiterate (47.1% against 24.3%; p = 0.008). The MMT showed CD at 60.8%, the CME at 28% and the Set test at 11.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimated prevalence of CD varies depending on the test used. Variability in the MMT and CME is basically due to years of schooling, whereas in the Set test it is because of age.