Cognitive Tests for Dementia Diagnosis

Brain Mia Garnsey

Mini-Mental State Exam

The most popular cognitive impairment screening test for dementia is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). [2] There are 11 questions or tasks total, which are divided into seven “cognitive domains.” It takes about five minutes to finish.

A possible score for a person is 30. The evaluation is based on a healthcare professional’s direct observation of the subject completing objects or tasks. According on a patient’s score, a doctor can determine their degree of dementia:

12 and below: severe dementia
13-20: moderate dementia
20-24: mild dementia
25-30: no impairment

Mia Garnsey September 6, 2023

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