Mini-Mental State Examination
Also written as: MMSE — Mini-Mental State Examination
A brief cognitive screening test assessing orientation, memory, attention, and language abilities.
Full Definition
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used 30-point cognitive screening instrument that evaluates cognitive function across multiple domains including orientation to time and place, registration and recall of words, attention and calculation, language, and visuospatial skills. Developed by Folstein et al., it is commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment and dementia. Scores below 24 typically indicate cognitive impairment, though interpretation must consider education level and cultural factors.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use; note that newer copyright restrictions may limit clinical use.
In Context
- "The patient scored 18 on the Mini-Mental State Examination, indicating moderate cognitive impairment." — Neuropsychological evaluation
- "MMSE scores will be tracked quarterly to monitor cognitive changes over time." — Long-term care plan