The Use of Proverb Interpretation in the Detection of Cognitive Deficits

Medical professionals commonly use proverb interpretation as part of a screening process for cognitive deficiency. The value of using proverbs for this purpose was examined with a random sample of 205 English-speaking residents of suburban Adelaide. Subjects interpreted three proverbs typical of those used for assessment. Only 15% of subjects correctly interpreted all three proverbs, and over a quarter of subjects did not correctly interpret any proverb, suggesting that proverb interpretation may lack specificity in identifying cognitive deficits. Performance was influenced by age, sex, educational achievement, and occupational classification. Normative data, which can allow for the effects of these factors, are not usually available for individual proverbs. Proverb interpretation as a screening test for cognitive deficiency should be used with caution.