Korean version of MMSE(MMSE-K) was tested for 65 normal controls and 39 patients with functional psychiatric disorders who had been either hospitalized or visiting out-patient department.
For the assessment of the normal, dementia and functional psy...
Korean version of MMSE(MMSE-K) was tested for 65 normal controls and 39 patients with functional psychiatric disorders who had been either hospitalized or visiting out-patient department.
For the assessment of the normal, dementia and functional psychiatrlc disorders, two psychiatrists interviewed all the samples individually. The DSMIII was use for diagnostic criteria.
This study attempted to evaluate the relationship between the demographic factors and the MMSE-K scores and to correct the MMSE-K scores for these factors.
Age, sex and residence had no significant effects, but education had significant effects on the MMSE-K scores.
The MMSE-K scores of non-educated group were significantly lower than those of
educated group in the items of time and place orientation, attention and calculation and language function, and the differences were 1.0, 0.3, 1.7 and 0.6 point respectively.
To correct the MMSE-K scores for demographic factors, the authors adjusted the
scores of non-educated group by adding 1 point to time-orientation and language
function and 2 Point to attention and calculation, but not exceeding the maximum scores of each item. After the correction, the differences between non-educated and educated groups were eliminated.
Therefore, the authors propose that the MMSE-K scores must be corrected as
described above for demographic factors to be used for Korean elderlv.