MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination: Assessing Cognition

Clinicians use the MMSE to screen for cognitive impairment by testing memory and attention. This 30-point check helps identify dementia and tracks mental health changes over time.

MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination PDF form for screening cognitive impairment
MMSE

MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a 30-point questionnaire that screens for cognitive impairment. By testing memory, orientation, and attention, it helps clinicians identify issues like dementia. It’s a reliable way to monitor a patient's mental status changes over time.

Category

Mental health
Diagnostic
Monitoring

Disease

Assessment
Geriatrics
Mental Health

Source

(Folstein et al., 1975)

Author Name

Folstein, M.F., Folstein, S.E. & McHugh, P.R. (1975)

What is MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination

The MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination is a trusted tool for screening cognitive impairment. It helps clinicians track changes in mental status over time. This brief 30-point questionnaire looks closely at arithmetic, memory, and orientation. It serves as a quick way to estimate the severity of cognitive decline in older adults. Patients answer questions about the date and location, repeat lists of words, and solve simple math problems. They also copy a drawing and follow verbal commands. Scoring is straightforward, where lower totals usually suggest greater impairment levels. Taking only about ten minutes to finish, it is perfect for busy clinics and hospitals. Doctors use it to screen for dementia or monitor how well treatment works for Alzheimer's disease. While it is not a full diagnostic tool on its own, it guides future testing steps effectively.

MMSE Scoring

The MMSE Mini-Mental State Examination can be scored using one main approach: calculating a cumulative total ranging from 0 to 30. To get the final number, you tally up correct answers across categories like orientation, memory recall, and attention. Generally, a score of 24 or above indicates normal cognitive function. Scores between 19 and 23 suggest mild impairment, while anything below 10 points to severe issues. Since education and age can skew results, doctors often interpret these figures alongside clinical history to track cognitive decline accurately.

View scoring form

Advantages

Efficient collection

Streamlines research data gathering process.

Global standards

Meets international clinical assessment requirements.

Health monitoring

Tracks patient condition changes systematically.

10
Minutes
11
Questions

Streamline MMSE cognitive impairment screening with WeGuide's platform

Digitise cognitive screening with automated MMSE workflows. Track mental status changes and improve patient monitoring.

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