Abstract
The aim of this studywas firstly to describe the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) score upon initial diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders among the French population, according to age. Secondly, education, gender and place of residence were studied as factors potentially associated with delayed Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.Designwe conducted a cross sectional analysis of the French National Alzheimer database (BNA). Data from 2008 to 2012 were extracted. Patients were selected at the moment of their first diagnosis of AD (n = 39,451).ResultsThe MMSE score at initial diagnosis dropped significantly with increasing age. The test score increased with the degree of educational background regardless of age. Gender and place of residence were significantly related to the MMSE score, women and persons living in medical institutions having lower MMSE scores under the age of 90 years and at all educational levels.ConclusionsHealth care professionals should be aware of these risk factors in order to maximize chances of earliest possible diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
Highlights
According to current estimates, there are over 24 million cases of Alzheimer’s Disease worldwide and the condition has become a public health priority
Gender and place of residence were significantly related to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, women and persons living in medical institutions having lower MMSE scores under the age of 90 years and at all educational levels
Health care professionals should be aware of these risk factors in order to maximize chances of earliest possible diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders
Summary
There are over 24 million cases of Alzheimer’s Disease worldwide and the condition has become a public health priority. In 2008, the French government launched the Third National Plan for ‘‘Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders’’ (‘‘Plan Alzheimer 2008–2012’’). This plan was intended to develop research on Alzheimer’s disease and related topics, facilitate early diagnosis and improve patient care, as well as provide support to families and helpers. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), as developed by Folstein, Folstein, and McHugh (1975), is the most widely used among cognitive screening tools [1,2,3]. It is effective as a screening instrument to distinguish patients with cognitive impairment from those without.
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