The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is scored by assigning points to a series of questions and tasks that assess different cognitive functions. The test has a maximum score of 30 points, with each question or task contributing a specific number of points based on correct responses. The total score reflects the individual’s overall cognitive status.
Here is how the MMSE scoring works in detail:
1. **Orientation (10 points total)**
This section tests awareness of time and place. It typically includes questions like:
– What is the current year, season, date, day, and month? (5 points)
– Where are you right now? (state, country, city/town, hospital/facility name if applicable) (5 points)
Each correct answer earns one point.
2. **Registration/Immediate Memory (3 points)**
The examiner names three unrelated objects clearly and slowly—for example: “apple,” “penny,” “table.” The patient must immediately repeat all three words correctly to earn up to 3 points—one point per word recalled correctly on the first try.
3. **Attention and Calculation (5 points)**
This part assesses concentration through tasks such as:
– Serial sevens subtraction: subtracting seven from 100 repeatedly five times (“100-7=93,” then “93-7=86,” etc.). One point for each correct subtraction up to five possible points. Alternatively, spelling a simple word like “WORLD” backwards can be used instead.
4. **Recall/Short-Term Memory (3 points)**
After some distraction or other test items are completed (~a few minutes later), the patient is asked to recall the three words given earlier in registration without prompts—one point per word recalled correctly.
5. **Language Skills and Praxis (9 points total)**
This section evaluates several language-related abilities including:
– Naming two common objects shown by examiner or pictures such as a watch or pencil — 2 points total.
– Repeating a phrase exactly as said by examiner — 1 point.
– Following a three-stage command involving actions like “Take this paper in your right hand,” “Fold it,” “Put it on the floor” — up to 3 steps for 3 possible points.
– Reading and obeying written instructions such as “Close your eyes” printed on paper — 1 point.
– Writing a sentence spontaneously that makes sense — 1 point.
6. **Copying Design/Visuospatial Ability (1 point)**
Patients are asked to copy intersecting pentagons drawn by examiner; successful copying earns one point.
**Scoring Interpretation:**
– A perfect score is *30*, indicating no detected cognitive impairment according to this screening tool.
– Scores between *24–30* generally indicate normal cognition but may vary slightly depending on age and education level adjustments sometimes applied clinically.
– Scores from *18–23* suggest mild cognitive impairment; individuals may have noticeable difficulties but retain some functional independence.
– Scores between *12–17* reflect moderate impairment where more significant deficits affect daily functioning requiring assistance.
– Scores below *12* indicate severe cognitive impairment often associated with advanced dementia stages where independent function is greatly compromised.
The MMSE scoring system provides clinicians with an easy-to-use quantitative measure of global cognition covering orientation, memory recall both immediate and delayed, attention/calculation skills, language abilities including comprehension & expression, plus visuospatial construction skills through drawing tasks.
Because it’s brief—usually taking about 5–10 minutes—the MMSE serves well for initial screening or monitoring changes over time but does not diagnose specific conditions nor capture subtle executive function deficits comprehensively compared with other tools like MoCA tests.
In practice:
Each item’s raw score adds directly toward the cumulative total out of thirty possible; no weighting beyond simple addition occurs within standard administration protocols unless adaptations ar
