Evaluation of the mental function of the elderly in a general practice.

A mental function test was carried out on 378 individuals over 70 years of age registered with a group practice in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne. A high score (11 or over) was observed in 64.9% of women and 78.3% of men; a medium score (between three and 10) was observed in 34.0% of women and 20.8% of men; and only 0.8% of individuals of both sexes were found to have a low score (less than three). It was found that older age groups of both sexes had lower scores than younger groups (P < 0.001) and this was more pronounced in women than men (P < 0.05).These observations are significantly different (P < 0.001) from those obtained in hospital studies. The need for surveillance which influences mortality, morbidity and resource allocation is discussed.