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Reading ability, education, and cognitive status assessment among older adults in Harlem, New York City
1Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. sma10@columbia.edu
Objectives:
This study examined reported level of education and current reading ability as predictors of cognitive status among older African Americans in central Harlem, New York City.
Methods:
A probability sample of 164 noninstitutionalized older African Americans was assessed. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were regressed on education and reading ability measures.
Results:
Reading ability and educational attainment were significant, independent predictors of MMSE performance. Within any level of education, subjects whose grade-equivalent reading ability exceeded reported level of education scored significantly higher on the MMSE.
Conclusions:
Reading ability may be useful in interpreting the results of cognitive screening among low-educated and minority groups.