Mini-Mental State Examination for telephone use in highly educated and socially active older adults: a descriptive study

Abstract

With population aging, the growing concern about cognitive decline and dementias highlights the need for early and accessible cognitive assessment. In this context, a telephone-adapted version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Brazilian Telephone Version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (Braztel-MMSE), was developed. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare cognitive performance assessed by the Braztel-MMSE, administered by telephone, with the traditional Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), administered in person, in highly educated older adults without diagnosed dementia or depression, and who are socially engaged. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The initial sample consisted of 578 older adults who completed the Braztel-MMSE during the screening phase of a clinical trial. Of these, a subsample of 190 older adults completed the traditional MMSE after 18 months. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially to compare scores obtained from both instruments. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between scores on the Braztel-MMSE and the traditional MMSE (Spearman’s rho=0.354, p<0.001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed satisfactory agreement between the two cognitive assessment methods, with a mean difference of 0.002 between scores. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the telephone-administered Braztel-MMSE shows good agreement with the traditional face-to-face MMSE. These findings suggest that the Braztel-MMSE can be a useful and valid tool for cognitive screening in contexts where in-person evaluation is not feasible, including long-term clinical trials.