Novos valores normativos do Mini-Mental State Examination

Introduction: The Mini-Mental State Examination is the most commonly used instrument for screening cognitive function. The Portuguese norms of this test were established twenty years ago, so they could be no longer adapted to the present population. Objectives: Define Mini-Mental State Examination norms in the current Portuguese sample. Method: The Mini-Mental State Examination was applied to 411 patients followed in general practitioners clinics with more than 50 years of age, autonomous in daily living activities and without history of central nervous system disease. Their performance was analyzed by three literacy groups (0 to 2 years, 3 to 6 years and more than 6 years). Results: The literacy showed to be the major influence in the total score of the test. Although subject age also influences significantly the test score, its effect was weak. Mean Mini-Mental State Examination score were 25.16 ± 2.16 for 0 to 2 years of literacy, 27.82 ± 1.78 for 3 to 6 years and 29.05 ± 1.11 for more than 6 years. Operational cut-off values according to the fifth percentile were 22 for 0 to 2 years of literacy, 24 for 3 to 6 years of literacy and 27 for more than 6 years of literacy. Conclusion: The present study proposes new normative values for Mini-Mental State Examination evaluation to be applied in adults of a metropolitan area.