Normative data for the MMSE, the Benton visual retention test, the Isaacs's set test, the digit symbol substitution test and the Zazzo's cancellation task in subjects over the age 70: results from the PAQUID study.

Introduction. The aim of this study was to produce norms for the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Benton visual retention test, Isaacs's set test, the digit symbol substitution test and Zazzo's cancellation task (short 8-line version), in elderly people. Methods. Data was collected in a representative sample of 1780 subjects aged 70 years and older, followed-up for five years after inclusion in the PAQUID study. Only individuals who did not have characteristics likely to alter their cognitive performance were considered. Results. Descriptive statistics (median, tenth percentile, first and third quartile) were used to define gender-, age- and education-specific norms. Conclusions. These norms can be used by clinicians to interpret a patient's performance on several widely used cognitive tests according to the scores obtained by individuals of the same age, gender and educational level.