Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Standardised 30-point cognitive screening tool assessing orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills. Guides dementia diagnosis and monitoring.
Score interpretation
→ A score in this range does not exclude dementia (education, language and sensory impairment affect the MMSE). If concerns persist, refer to a memory assessment service (NICE NG97); keep as a baseline for future comparison
→ The MMSE alone does not diagnose cognitive impairment or dementia. If not yet assessed: memory service referral; bloods for reversible causes (FBC, U&E, LFTs, TFTs, B12, folate, glucose, calcium); safety (driving, finances). If dementia is diagnosed: mild severity range (NICE TA217)
→ If dementia is diagnosed: moderate severity range (NICE TA217). Specialist dementia team; drug treatment per NICE TA217 / NG97; safeguarding; driving (DVLA); lasting power of attorney discussion
→ If dementia is diagnosed: severe range (NICE TA217). Specialist dementia care; care needs and carer support; advance care planning; safeguarding
Interpretation bands for the MMSE. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) · Cognitive Assessment
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) · Cognitive Assessment
- MoCA — Montreal Cognitive Assessment · Cognitive Assessment
- 6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) · Cognitive Assessment
- Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMT-10) · Cognitive Assessment
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) · Cognitive Assessment
- Progestogen-Only Pill (POP / Mini-pill) · Progestogen-Only Contraceptive (Oral)
- Donepezil · Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) — dementia
- Memantine · NMDA receptor antagonist — dementia
- Rivastigmine · Dual AChEI and BuChEI inhibitor — dementia
- Quetiapine (Elderly — Dementia Caution) · Atypical Antipsychotic
- Docusate sodium · Stool softener (anionic surfactant)
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.