15, October 2026

Effect of Age, Gender, and Education on MMSE Performance Among Healthy Older Adults

VOLUME-9; ISSUE-10; OCT-2026

Author(s): Dr. Sushma Thapliyal, Prof. (Dr.) Gaurav Thapliyal

Authors Affiliations:

1Associate Professor, Cadabams School of Psychology, S-VYASA Deemed to be University, Bangalore, India

2 Professor & HoD, Cadabams School of Psychology, S-VYASA Deemed to be University, Bangalore, India

Email – 1sushma-thapliyal@svyasa.edu.in,   2hod.psy@svyasa.edu.in,

 

DOIs:10.2018/SS/202610005     |     Paper ID: SS202610005


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Objectives: To examine the relationship and predictive influence of age, gender, and education on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance among healthy older adults. Methodology: A cross-sectional, correlational-predictive study was conducted on 60 community-dwelling, cognitively healthy older adults (60–80 years; MMSE ≥ 24) selected using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Socio-demographic details were recorded, and cognitive functioning was assessed using the MMSE. Spearman's rank-order correlation, an independent-samples t-test, and multiple linear regression were used to examine associations and predictors (SPSS-26; p < .05). Results: The mean MMSE score of the sample was 25.87 ± 1.79. Age showed a strong, statistically significant negative correlation with MMSE scores (ρ = −0.658, p < .001), while education showed a moderate positive significant correlation (ρ = 0.317, p = .013). Gender was not significantly associated with MMSE performance (ρ = −0.106, p = .422). Multiple regression showed the overall model was significant, F(3,56) = 16.38, p < .001, explaining 46.7% of the variance (R² = .467); age was the only significant independent predictor (β = −0.710, p < .001). Conclusions: Age is the strongest determinant of MMSE performance among healthy older adults, while education is positively but not independently associated, and gender has no significant effect. Age-adjusted normative data are recommended for interpreting MMSE scores in this population.
Mini-Mental State Examination; cognitive functioning; ageing; education; gender; older adults

Dr. Sushma Thapliyal, Prof. (Dr.) Gaurav Thapliyal (2026); Effect of Age, Gender, and Education on MMSE Performance Among Healthy Older Adults, Shikshan Sanshodhan : Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences,      ISSN(o): 2581-6241,  Volume – 9,   Issue –  10,  Available on –   https://shikshansanshodhan.researchculturesociety.org/

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