MMSE
Also written as: MMSE — Mini-Mental State Examination
Abbreviation for Mini-Mental State Examination, a brief 30-point structured questionnaire used to screen for cognitive impairment in older patients.
Full Definition
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used cognitive screening instrument covering orientation, registration, attention, recall, language, and visuospatial ability, with a maximum score of 30. Scores of 24–30 are generally considered normal, 18–23 suggest mild impairment, and below 18 indicates moderate to severe impairment. In geriatric rehabilitation, MMSE results directly influence therapy planning, consent capacity assessments, and discharge destination decisions. Editors should note that 'MMSE' is always rendered as an acronym — never spelled out without the expansion being given on first use. It should not be confused with the MoCA, which has greater sensitivity for mild cognitive impairment.
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first use: 'Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).' Do not use 'MMSE test' — the word 'examination' is already embedded in the acronym. Distinguish clearly from MoCA in editorial contexts.
In Context
- "The admitting physician documented an MMSE score of 21, indicating mild cognitive impairment, and referred the patient for a formal neuropsychological evaluation." — Inpatient assessment note
- "Staff were reminded that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) results alone are insufficient to determine decision-making capacity." — Clinical governance memorandum