MMSE
Also written as: MMSE — Mini-Mental State Examination
Standardized cognitive screening tool assessing orientation, memory, attention, and language.
Full Definition
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a 30-point questionnaire used extensively in clinical and research settings to screen for cognitive impairment. Developed by Folstein and colleagues, it evaluates orientation to time and place, registration and recall of words, attention and calculation, language abilities, and visuospatial skills. Scores below 24 typically indicate cognitive impairment, though education and cultural factors must be considered. The MMSE remains one of the most widely used cognitive assessment tools despite limitations in detecting mild cognitive impairment and executive dysfunction.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use; score should be reported as X/30 format.
In Context
- "The patient scored 18/30 on the MMSE, indicating moderate cognitive impairment." — Cognitive assessment report
- "Serial MMSE testing showed progressive decline over six months." — Dementia monitoring note