Materials and Method: The data were collected from people aged 60 years and over who were living in the city center of Kars by Socio-demographic Characteristics Form, Standardized Mini Mental Examination Test and Geriatric Depression Scale using face to face interviewing between 20th of February and 20th of March, 2009. The data were collected on a voluntary basis. Data from 1206 elderly people was analyzed with percentage distribution, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal Wallis Test.
Results: In the elderly, Standardized Mini Mental Examination Test average score was 22.05 ± 7.46 . Of 1206 elderly people, 44.4% had scores between 19-24, 32% had scores between 25- 30 and 23.6% had scores below 19. Their average Geriatric Depression Scale score was 13.38 ± 6.86. The cut-off point was 13 or above in 52.9%. Standardized Mini Mental Examination Test and Geriatric Depression Scale scores significantly correlated with age, gender, education status, loss of partner, persistent use of medications and smoking.
Conclusion: SMMT and GDS scores obtained from the elderly included in the survey shows that a significant proportion of the elderly living in Kars have cognitive and mental problems.
Keywords : Aging; Cognitive disorders/diagnosis; Depression