Dementia is a common, very debilitating disease, and it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. The most commonly used methods of testing a person for dementia are the Mini-Mental State Exam and the MoCA. This article will explain how to administer these tests to an individual who you are concerned may be progressing into dementia
The MMSE is a 10-minute test you can use to evaluate a person's cognitive function, including such elements as language, memory, and calculation. This is a more traditionally used test
Test orientation to time (5 points). Ask for the date. The person must be able to name the date, month, year, day of the week, and season.
Test orientation to place (5 points). Ask where the person (and yourself) are currently. The person must be able to name the city, state, county, type of building, and street (or floor of building).
Test registration (3 points). Name 3 objects, and ask the person to repeat them immediately after you. You must say them altogether, rather than one-by-one, and they must also repeat them back to you altogether. Also, tell them that you will ask them to recall these 3 words in a few minutes.
Test attention (5 points).
Ask the person to spell the word WORLD backwards.
Serial 7s. Ask the person to count back from 100 by 7s.
Test recall (3 points). Ask the person to repeat the 3 words you told them to memorize earlier.
Test language (2 points). Point to a pencil and a wristwatch, and ask the person to name them.
Test repetition (1 point). Ask the person to repeat the phrase "no ifs, ands, or buts."
Test ability to follow complex commands.
Ask the person to follow a 3-step command (3 points). For example, tell the person to take a piece of paper in their right hand, fold it in half, and put it on the floor.
On a piece of paper, write "close your eyes," and ask the person to follow this command (1 point).
Ask the person to write a sentence (1 point). It must include a noun and a verb, and it must be sensible.
Ask the person to copy a geometric design, such as overlapping pentagons (1 point)
The MMSE is a 10-minute test you can use to evaluate a person's cognitive function, including such elements as language, memory, and calculation. This is a more traditionally used test
Test orientation to time (5 points). Ask for the date. The person must be able to name the date, month, year, day of the week, and season.
Test orientation to place (5 points). Ask where the person (and yourself) are currently. The person must be able to name the city, state, county, type of building, and street (or floor of building).
Test registration (3 points). Name 3 objects, and ask the person to repeat them immediately after you. You must say them altogether, rather than one-by-one, and they must also repeat them back to you altogether. Also, tell them that you will ask them to recall these 3 words in a few minutes.
Test attention (5 points).
Ask the person to spell the word WORLD backwards.
Serial 7s. Ask the person to count back from 100 by 7s.
Test recall (3 points). Ask the person to repeat the 3 words you told them to memorize earlier.
Test language (2 points). Point to a pencil and a wristwatch, and ask the person to name them.
Test repetition (1 point). Ask the person to repeat the phrase "no ifs, ands, or buts."
Test ability to follow complex commands.
Ask the person to follow a 3-step command (3 points). For example, tell the person to take a piece of paper in their right hand, fold it in half, and put it on the floor.
On a piece of paper, write "close your eyes," and ask the person to follow this command (1 point).
Ask the person to write a sentence (1 point). It must include a noun and a verb, and it must be sensible.
Ask the person to copy a geometric design, such as overlapping pentagons (1 point)