Education effects on cognitive function in a healthy aged Arab population

Abstract

Education and gender influence performance when using the Arabic translation of the MMSE and BCST in cognitively normal elderly. Cognitively normal females with 0-4 years of education scored lower than males. These results should be taken into consideration in the daily use of these instruments in Arabic.

Cognitive function and its association with level of education and work status in adults in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

“…This is in agreement with other published studies in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. 5,6 On average, males of our sample scored 3 points higher than females. The difference between the two genders in MMSE scores was previously attributed to sociocultural factors regarding female education and employment.…”

“…4 As predicted, and reported by numerous other researches, education has the largest effect on cognitive function as scored by the MMSE. [2][3][4][5][6] Subjects who obtained no education scored several points less than those who did. And there was a gradual increase in the mean score of subjects belonging to progressively higher levels of education, with those who went to college/university scoring, on average, 8 points more than uneducated subjects.…”

“…4 This is reflected in cognitive function scores of individuals with varying levels of education. 5,6 Cognitive function can be scored in various ways; one of the most widely used methods is known as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). It was introduced in 1975 to thoroughly but routinely investigate the cognitive realm.…”

“…4 Another study conducted on an Arab population concluded that education influences performance on the Arabic translation of the MMSE in cognitively normal elderly. 5 The use of the MMSE in cognitive health research is prevalent; some studies have been carried out with an Arabic version of the test. Among them is a study done in northern Israel, which showed that "the mean MMSE score of males (26.3, SD=4.1) was higher than that of females (23.6, DF=4.2)."…”

“…Among them is a study done in northern Israel, which showed that "the mean MMSE score of males (26.3, SD=4.1) was higher than that of females (23.6, DF=4.2)." 5 Another study conducted with an Arabic MMSE was the one carried out in KKUH in 1999. The study showed The mean score of educated subjects falls within the conventional cut-off score of >24 in Western countries.…”