Performance on the Mini-Mental State Examination and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale among older American Indians

Abstract

Optimal methods for assessing cognitive impairment among older American Indians have not been established. This study sought to examine the cultural relevance and performance of two common cognitive screening measures, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS), in one American Indian population. One hundred forty American Indians ages 60 to 89 were assessed; nearly 11% scored more than 2 standard deviation points below performance expectations on the MMSE, as did 27% to 81% on the MDRS. Complex relationships were found between gender, health conditions (with possible effects on cognitive functioning), and MMSE and MDRS scores. The authors discuss implications and future directions.