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KMID : 0828520030070010014
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Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2003 Volume.7 No. 1 p.14 ~ p.22
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Cognitive Functions of Korean Elders Over 100 Years of Age
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고선규:Ko Seon-Gyu
김지혜:Kim Ji-Hae/이주영:Lee Joo-Young/이도관:Lee Do-Kwan/김철호:Kim Cheol-Ho/박상철:Park Sang-Chul/최윤호:Choi Yoon-Ho
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND
Almost no study has been carried out to explore the cognitive characteristics of the oldest old population in Korea, even though Korean society is becoming very ’old’. The purpose of this study is to the examine basic cognitive functions of Korean elders over 100 years of age.
METHODS
Data collection was completed with 87 elders, 12 males and 75 females. Their mean age was 103.2 for males and 102.3 for females. The average year of education for this population was less than 1 year(0.5 year). We evaluated cognitive functions by K-MMSE and the severity of dementia by CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating).
RESULTS
Most of them were able to speak fluently(81.6%) and had reasonable vision(67.8%), but 55.2 % of subjects had full comprehension ability. There was no significant difference in results between elders from Seoul and from other country area. We have divided the sample population into 5 groups according to CDR score; 0(7.4%), 0.5(33.3%), 1(25.9%), 2(14.8%), 3(18.5%), to compare with K-MMSE score. There were significant differences in K-MMSE scores between CDR groups. DISCUSSION: About 7% of elders over 100 years of age are still maintaining normal cognitive function. Considering the physical handicaps of the subjects, probable dementia group(30%) can also be regarded as to possess near normal cognitive function. This study is the first study on Korean centenarians and will provide essential data for future studies on the oldest old.
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KEYWORD
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Centenarian, Cognitive function, K-MMSE
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