Influence of education on cognitive function in the elderly population of Pune city, Maharashtra, India

Shrirang Godbole; Gayatri Godbole; Savita Vaidya

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20162945

Authors

Shrirang Godbole Department of Physiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
Gayatri Godbole Department of Physiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
Savita Vaidya Department of Physiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20162945

Keywords:

Elderly population, Cognitive impairment, MMSE, Education

Abstract

Background: A progressive decline in cognitive function is called as dementia. It mostly affects the elderly population. Dementia places a great burden on the patient, on his family and also on the country’s healthcare system. It has therefore become the need of the day, to combat its ever increasing prevalence.

Methods: In this community based study, 300 Residents (males and females) aged 60 years and above were interviewed. Subjects were administered mini mental state examination (MMSE) questionnaire. MMSE score of <23 indicates the likelihood of cognitive impairment. Educational status of the subjects with MMSE score <23 was compared.

Results: Level of education was negatively correlated with MMSE score and it was statistically significant.

Conclusions: Education is an important factor in mitigating the effects of dementia. Early investment in education will go a long way installing the progress of dementia.

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