Influence of education on cognitive function in the elderly population of Pune city, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: A progressive decline in cognitive function is called as dementia. It mostly affects the elderly population. Dementia places a great burden on the patient, on his family and also on the country’s healthcare system. It has therefore become the need of the day, to combat its ever increasing prevalence.Methods: In this community based study, 300 Residents (males and females) aged 60 years and above were interviewed. Subjects were administered mini mental state examination (MMSE) questionnaire. MMSE score of <23 indicates the likelihood of cognitive impairment. Educational status of the subjects with MMSE score <23 was compared.Results: Level of education was negatively correlated with MMSE score and it was statistically significant.Conclusions: Education is an important factor in mitigating the effects of dementia. Early investment in education will go a long way installing the progress of dementia.