MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Language: Naming and Repetition Questions and Answers

Question 1

During the MMSE naming task, an examiner shows the patient a standard wristwatch. The patient responds, "It's a timepiece." How should this response be scored?

Accepted Answer

Score 0, as the response is not 'watch' or 'wristwatch'.

Answer

Score 1, as 'timepiece' is a correct, albeit uncommon, synonym.

Answer

Ask the patient for a more common name for the object.

Answer

Score 0.5 and note the unusual response in the margin.

Question 2

When administering the repetition task, the examiner asks the patient to repeat the phrase "No ifs, ands, or buts." The patient says, "No ifs, ands, or but." What is the correct score for this response?

Accepted Answer

0 points, because the phrase was not repeated exactly.

Answer

1 point, as the omission of 's' is a minor articulation error.

Answer

1 point, but only if the examiner suspects a hearing impairment.

Answer

0.5 points, with a note explaining the specific error.

Question 3

Which of the following is a critical procedural step for the examiner when administering the repetition task ("No ifs, ands, or buts")?

Accepted Answer

Allow only one trial for the patient to repeat the phrase.

Answer

Repeat the phrase multiple times if the patient asks.

Answer

Speak very slowly to ensure the patient understands each word.

Answer

Give credit if the patient repeats the general meaning of the phrase.

Question 4

A patient with expressive aphasia is shown a pencil during the naming task. They are unable to say the word "pencil" but correctly demonstrate its use by pretending to write. How should the examiner score this action?

Accepted Answer

Score 0 points because the task specifically requires verbal naming.

Answer

Score 1 point because the patient clearly identified the object's function.

Answer

Ask the patient to write the name of the object instead.

Answer

Score 0.5 points to credit the non-verbal identification.

Question 5

The language tasks of naming two objects and repeating a phrase primarily assess which cognitive domain?

Accepted Answer

Attention, comprehension, and expression.

Answer

Executive function and problem-solving.

Answer

Visuospatial ability and construction.

Answer

Long-term memory and recall.

Question 6

During the MMSE, an examiner is preparing for the naming task. Which of the following pairs of items are the standard objects to be presented to the patient?

Accepted Answer

A pencil and a watch

Answer

A key and a coin

Answer

A pen and a book

Answer

A cup and a spoon