Mini-Mental Status Examination: is it appropriate for screening in Thai elderly?

Appropriateness of using the Mini-Mental Status Examination with Thai elderly was examined in three samples of fifty elderly subjects living in contrasting locations in Thailand. Literacy, age, gender, principle occupation and place of residence were each associated with MMSE score. Multiple regression analysis, demonstrated that literacy and place of residence had strong independent effects on MMSE. Result of this study suggests that use of the MMSE as a screen for cognitive impairment in Thailand may be inappropriate. New screening tests that are not influenced by literacy and place of residence are needed.