The Mini Mental State Examination has been a common tool amongst psychologist and doctors for over 25 years. Marshall F. Folstein, Susan E. Folstein, and Paul R. McHugh developed the test in 1975 (Albanese). Since then doctors and researchers alike have tested its accuracy and usefulness. It has been used to treat and diagnose people with dementia, Alzheimer's, and schizophrenia. The main goal of this test is to assess the patient's mental cognitive impairment status and/or overall mental functions. Cognitive impairment can be defined as a brain disorder that affects patient's thinking. Patients with cognitive impairment experience symptoms like memory loss, disorientation, and confusion. Cognitive impairment is a side effect of mental disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's. Patients with these kinds of disorders usually experience extreme memory loss that can severely disrupt their lives.
[...] Highest Total Score: 30 points As you can see, The Mental Measurement State Examination is a fairly simple test for those of us with average cognitive and mental functions. But for those who have Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, or dementia this test can be very challenging. Patients with a score of 23 or higher are considered “normal”. Patients who score between 22-21 are considered “mildly impaired”; 20-10 are “moderately impaired” and patients who score under nine are considered “seriously impaired” (Albanese). The name “Mini-Mental State Examination” is actually reflective of the and this test was created. [...]
[...] This can obviously affect his or her concentration and as a result the scores might not reflect the patient's actual mental functions. A qualified examiner should consider these circumstances. There are also a lot of questions and concerns surrounding the MMSE instruction manual. For instance, Fostein et al recommends that patients' results should be divided into four categories depending on their score: normal mild moderate (20-11) and severe (10-0). What they neglect to do is define these terms or even explain why the scores are divided in that way (Albanese). [...]
[...] The examiner asks the patient the following questions: What 5 state are we in? What country are we in? What town are we in? What building are we in? What floor are we on? Again each question is worth one point. The examiner says “I'd like to test your memory by asking you 3 to repeat the following words: sun, picture, pants (for example). The patient is given on point for each current response, making a total of three points. [...]
[...] Patients should go through a series of tests and examination besides the MMSE before their disorder can be properly diagnosed. Dr. Folstein et al first created and tested their examination in 1975. After doing a lot of research and testing the group came up with a version of MMSE that is almost identical to the one used today. They went to great lengths to test the accuracy and reliability of their work. They tested 206 patients, all with different levels of cognitive impairment (or lack there of). [...]
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