EFFECTS OF AGE, GENDER AND EDUCATION LEVEL ON COGNITION IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

BACKGROUND With rapidly increasing number of older people in our community cognitive impairment is a growing public health concern in India. It affects the quality of life for the person affected and the caregiver. By preserving the function, we can help older adults to remain independent for as long as possible. The aim of this study is to investigate the cognitive function in elderly people in various age groups and to find correlation of gender and education with cognition. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 elderly people above 60 years at PSG Hospitals, Coimbatore. Cognition was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Modified Mini-Mental Status examination (3MS) and was scored for 30 and 100 respectively. Correlation of age, gender and education with cognition scores was found. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software by independent t test and chi square test and p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS We found statistically significant decline in cognition scores in elderly people as age advances by both tests (p < 0.001). Correlation of gender with cognition scores was not found to be significant (p = 0.254 and 0.268) and correlation of education with cognition scores showed decreased cognition in persons with lower level of education. CONCLUSION In general, we detected a significant decline in cognitive scores as age advances by both MMSE and 3MS. Higher education and younger age group were associated with better cognitive performance. By identifying those people at risk and by evaluation of any causes for cognitive decline and by proper treatment at an early stage, dementia can be prevented.