MMSE Attention and Calculation 4

Question 1

When scoring WORLD spelled backward as 'DLROW', how does the examiner determine the score?

Accepted Answer

One point per letter in the correct position (max 5)

Answer

Each letter of 'DLROW' in the correct position earns 1 point, giving a maximum of 5 points for a perfect reversal.

Question 2

A patient spells WORLD backward as 'DLRWO'. How many points do they earn?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

D, L, and R are in positions 1, 2, and 3 correctly (D=1, L=2, R=3), but W and O are transposed, so 3 points are earned.

Question 3

Which of the following BEST describes why the Attention and Calculation subsection is sensitive to early cognitive decline?

Accepted Answer

It demands simultaneous holding and manipulation of information in working memory

Answer

Working memory capacity—needed to track a running total while performing repeated subtraction—is one of the earliest cognitive abilities to decline.

Question 4

An examiner administers serial 7s and the patient stops after 93, saying they cannot continue. The score should be:

Accepted Answer

1 out of 5

Answer

One correct subtraction (100 − 7 = 93) earns 1 point; stopping after that step means no additional points are awarded.

Question 5

How does the serial 7s task specifically engage the prefrontal cortex?

Accepted Answer

It requires executive control to inhibit irrelevant thoughts while maintaining a calculation sequence

Answer

The prefrontal cortex mediates executive functions such as working memory maintenance and interference suppression, both demanded by serial 7s.

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Practice Test