Trajectories of Mini-Mental State Examination Scores over the Lifespan in General Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Over the lifespan cumulative changes to the brain lead to cognitive decline and eventually to dementia in 20–25% of adults 85 years and older. A commonly used screening tool for cognitive function is the Standard 30 point Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Though the MMSE is used to screen for dementia, little is known about the changes in scores over the lifespan in general populations. Method: A systematic search was conducted using Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO for articles published from January 1, 2007 to May 25, 2017. Articles were included if they had a longitudinal design reporting at least two MMSE scores. A mixed-effect meta-regression analysis was conducted..