MMSE Detection 3

Question 1

Which MMSE task requires a patient to follow a three-step verbal command?

Accepted Answer

Language – comprehension

Answer

The three-step command ('Take a paper in your right hand, fold it in half, and put it on the floor') is part of the Language comprehension section.

Question 2

The MMSE registration task asks the patient to repeat three words. What does failure to register all three words indicate?

Accepted Answer

Impaired attention or encoding

Answer

Inability to register all three words suggests impaired attention or encoding, which is foundational for subsequent recall testing.

Question 3

A clinician suspects Lewy body dementia rather than Alzheimer's. Which MMSE domain impairment pattern is more characteristic of Lewy body dementia?

Accepted Answer

Primarily visuospatial impairment

Answer

Lewy body dementia tends to show early and disproportionate visuospatial deficits compared to Alzheimer's disease.

Question 4

How many points are possible on the MMSE recall section?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

The recall section tests memory of three previously registered words, so the maximum score is 3 points.

Question 5

Which alternative brief cognitive screen is most commonly used alongside the MMSE to improve detection accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

Answer

The MoCA is frequently used alongside or instead of the MMSE because it is more sensitive to mild cognitive impairment.

MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Practice Test