Influence of Depression on Cognitive Item Responses of the Korean version of MMSE: An Item Response Theory‐Based Analysis Controlling for Age and Education

Depression influences specific cognitive domains of the MMSE, particularly registration and attention/calculation abilities. Adjusting for age and education reveals the robust association between these cognitive deficits and depression. The use of IRT methods enhances the understanding of how depressive symptoms affect cognitive test performance at the item level. Incorporating mood assessments when interpreting cognitive test results can enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve individualized treatment planning.