Below is an example of an MMSE Test which is a series of questions and tests. Points are scored if answered correctly with a maximum score of 30 points. A score of 25 – 30 is considered normal whereas a score of between 18 – 24 is regarded as an indication of mild to moderate impairment and a score of 17 or less is regarded as an indication of sever impairment.

Mini mental state exam (example)

Section Questions Max Points Patients Score

Section	Question	Max. Points	Patients Score
1) Orientation	a) Can you tell me today's (date)/(month)/(year)? Which day is it today? Can you tell me which (season) it is?	5
	b) What town/city are we in? What is the (county)! (country)? What (building) are we in and on what (floor)	5
2) Registration	I should like to test your memory. (name three common objects: "ball, car, man") Can you repeat the words I said? (1 point per word) (repeat up to 6 trials until all three are remembered) (record number of trials here:	3
3) Attention and Calculation	a) From 100 keep subtracting 7 and give each answer. Stop after 5 answers. (93_86_79_72_65) Alternatively b) Spell the word "World" backwards. (D_L_R_O_W)	5
4) Recall	What were the three words I asked you to say earlier? (skip this test if all of these objects were not remembered during the registration test)	3
5) Language Naming Repeating	Name the following objects (show a watch) and (show a pencil) 2	1
	Repeat the following: "no ifs, ands or buts"	1
6) Reading	(Show card or write: "Close your Eyes") Read this sentence and do what it says.	1
Writing	Now can you write a short sentence for me?	1
7) Three stage command	(Present paper) Take this paper in you left (or right) hand, fold it in half, and place it on the floor.	3
8) Construction	Will you copy this drawing please?	1
Total Score		30

I have concerns - what should I do?

Firstly contact your GP.

Secondly get you affairs in order and plan for your future. Make sure your family and your assets are protected by having a Lasting Powers of Attorney in place.

In situations where you or a family member no longer have the capacity to manage your own affairs and a Lasting Power of Attorney has not been prepared you may find that strangers will take over the decision making process for you as unfortunately it is a misconception that such rights automatically pass to your next of kin.