title: Cognitive assessment of the non-demented elderly community dwellers in Spain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prevalence of cognitive impairment and population normative values for cognitive function were assessed, for the first time, in 2,630 subjects representative of the non-demented community dweller population > or =65 years in Spain, a southern European country with a sizable proportion of illiterate senior citizens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected cross-sectionally by interview, using a structured questionnaire. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo (MEC; Spanish-validated version of the Mini-Mental State Examination).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 22.4% of the subjects presented with cognitive impairment (MEC < or =22). The proportion of subjects with cognitive impairment was double in women versus men, rose to 46.2% in subjects aged > or =85 years and to 34.8% in subjects with no formal education, and was higher among those who had limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (p < 0.001). In subjects with no formal education, 25% registered mean MEC scores compatible with probable cognitive impairment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One of every 5 Spanish senior citizens presents with cognitive impairment, a proportion that increased among women, subjects with no formal education and with higher age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Auxiliadora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Graciani
authors.forename: José R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Banegas
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guallar-Castillón
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Domínguez-Rojas
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Artalejo
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires