Age and education are known to be independently associated with MMSE score. This study addressed the relationship of principal lifetime occupations, which are related to both age and education, with MMSE scores in 524 community-dwelling elders aged 70 and older. The data suggest that principal lifetime occupations are correlated with MMSE scores independently of the effect of age and education. As an example, formers have an average MMSE score 2.33 points lower than white-collar workers in a multiple linear regression analysis (95% C.I. 0.46-4.21), even after adjustment for age, education, and financial dissatisfaction.