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Coordinated analysis of age, sex, and education effects on change in MMSE scores.

Authors :
Piccinin AM
Muniz-Terrera G
Clouston S
Reynolds CA
Thorvaldsson V
Deary IJ
Deeg DJ
Johansson B
Mackinnon A
Spiro A 3rd
Starr JM
Skoog I
Hofer SM
Source :
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences [J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci] 2013 May; Vol. 68 (3), pp. 374-90. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Oct 02.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Objectives: We describe and compare the expected performance trajectories of older adults on the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) across six independent studies from four countries in the context of a collaborative network of longitudinal studies of aging. A coordinated analysis approach is used to compare patterns of change conditional on sample composition differences related to age, sex, and education. Such coordination accelerates evaluation of particular hypotheses. In particular, we focus on the effect of educational attainment on cognitive decline.<br />Method: Regular and Tobit mixed models were fit to MMSE scores from each study separately. The effects of age, sex, and education were examined based on more than one centering point.<br />Results: Findings were relatively consistent across studies. On average, MMSE scores were lower for older individuals and declined over time. Education predicted MMSE score, but, with two exceptions, was not associated with decline in MMSE over time.<br />Conclusion: A straightforward association between educational attainment and rate of cognitive decline was not supported. Thoughtful consideration is needed when synthesizing evidence across studies, as methodologies adopted and sample characteristics, such as educational attainment, invariably differ.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1758-5368
Volume :
68
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
23033357
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbs077