MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Registration of Words Questions and Answers

Question 1

When administering the 'Registration of Words' section of the MMSE, how is the score determined?

Accepted Answer

The score is based on the patient's first attempt to repeat the three words.

Answer

According to standardized MMSE instructions, the score for the registration phase (worth a total of 3 points) is determined solely by the number of words the patient correctly repeats on their first attempt. Although the examiner may repeat the words up to six times to help the patient learn them for the later recall task, these subsequent repetitions do not count towards the registration score.

Question 2

An examiner is administering the MMSE. During the 'Registration of Words' task, the patient correctly repeats two words on the first try, but cannot remember the third. What is the immediate next step for the examiner?

Accepted Answer

Continue to say the three words until the patient can repeat all three, for up to six total trials.

Answer

If a patient does not repeat all three words on the first try, the examiner should record the score from that initial attempt (in this case, 2). However, they must then continue repeating the words until the patient learns all three, for a maximum of six trials. This is crucial because the subsequent 'Recall' section cannot be meaningfully tested if the words were not learned in the first place.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key instruction for the examiner when presenting the three words during the MMSE registration task?

Accepted Answer

Say the names of three unrelated objects clearly and slowly.

Answer

Standard MMSE protocol requires the examiner to say the names of three unrelated objects. The words should be spoken clearly and slowly, at a pace of about one second per word, to ensure the patient has the best opportunity to hear and process them.

Question 4

A patient is administered the 'Registration of Words' section and repeats the three words correctly on the first attempt. What score should be recorded for this section?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

The 'Registration of Words' section is worth a maximum of 3 points. One point is awarded for each word correctly repeated on the first attempt. If the patient successfully repeats all three words, they receive the maximum score of 3.

Question 5

During the MMSE, what is the primary cognitive function being assessed by the 'Registration of Words' task?

Accepted Answer

Immediate recall or immediate memory

Answer

The registration task specifically measures immediate recall, also known as immediate memory or registration. It assesses the patient's ability to immediately repeat back information they have just heard. The 'Recall' section, which comes later in the exam, tests short-term memory.

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Practice Test

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Practice Test

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Registration of Words Questions and Answers