Abstract

 

Objective: Standardized tests applied briefly and easily are beneficial in order to identify and treat cognitive disorders of elderly. This study aims to compare scores of elderly patients from Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT) with scores from Brief Mental Status Examination (BMSE).

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 300 consecutive emergency department (ED) patients over 65 years of age. All patients were given a rough assessment of mental status and underwent SMMT and BMSE tests. Test scores were compared with the pre-test clinical judgement of the physician. After two months tests were repeated for 110 of the patients who could be found and the difference in scores were calculated.

Results: Men’s scores were higher than women’s (SMMT p