- How the exam is done
- 1. Orientation
- 2. Retention
- 3. Attention and calculation
- 4. Evocation
- 5. Language
- How to calculate the result
The mini mental state exam, originally known as Mini Mental State Examination , or just Mini Mental, is a type of test that allows you to quickly assess a person's cognitive function.
Thus, this test can be used not only to assess whether someone has cognitive impairment, but also to assess the mental function of elderly people with dementia over time. With this evaluation it is possible to evaluate the treatment result, for example, since if the result improves, it is a sign that the treatment is having a positive impact.
How the exam is done
The mini mental state exam assesses 5 major areas of cognitive function, which include orientation, retention, attention and calculation, evocation and language.
Each area has a set of questions that, if answered correctly, add up to 1 point for each right answer:
1. Orientation
- What year are we in? What month are we in? What day of the month are we in? What season are we in? What day of the week are we in? What country are we in? What state / district do you live in? Where do you live? Where are we? What floor are we on now?
For each correct answer, 1 point must be awarded.
2. Retention
To assess retention, you must say 3 different words to the person, such as "Pear", "Cat" or "Ball" and ask the person to memorize them. After a few minutes, the person should be asked to repeat the 3 words and for each correct word, 1 point should be given.
3. Attention and calculation
Attention and calculation can be assessed using a simple technique that consists of asking the person to count backwards from 30, always subtracting 3 numbers. You must ask for at least 5 numbers, and for each right assign 1 point.
If the person makes a mistake in subtracting, one must continue subtracting the 3 numbers from the number that was given as wrong. However, only one error should be allowed when subtracting.
4. Evocation
This assessment should only be done if the person remembered the 3 words in the "retention" test. In that case, you should ask the person to say the 3 words again. For each correct word, 1 point must be given.
5. Language
In this group, several questions must be asked:
a) Show the wristwatch and ask "What is this called?"
b) Show a pencil and ask "What is this called?"
c) Ask the person to repeat the phrase "The rat gnaws the cork"
d) Ask the person to follow orders "I'm going to give you a paper. When I give you the paper, take it with your right hand, fold it in half and place it on the floor". Give 1 point for each well executed action: take it with your right hand, fold the paper and place it on the floor.
e) Show a card with something written for the person and ask them to read and make the simple order on the card. The order can be "Close your eyes" or "Open your mouth", for example. Give 1 point if the person does it correctly.
f) Ask the person to write a sentence. The sentence must contain at least 1 subject, 1 verb and make sense. One point should be given if the sentence is correct. Grammatical or spelling errors should not be considered.
g) Copy this drawing:
To consider the copy of the drawing correct, the 10 angles must be present and the images must cross at 2 points, and 1 point should be assigned, if this happens.
How to calculate the result
To know the test result, add all the points obtained during the test and then compare with the intervals below. A person is considered to have a cognitive defect when the score is equal to or less than:
- In illiterate: 18 In people with schooling between 1 and 3 years: 21 In people with schooling between 4 and 7 years: 24 In people with more than 7 years of schooling: 26
Results vary according to schooling as some questions can only be answered by people with some formal education. Thus, this division helps to ensure that the result is the most appropriate.
