American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What Mini-Mental State Examination score indicates a potential diagnosis of dementia?

1. 20

2. 22

3. 24

4. 26

The correct answer is: 22

A Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 22 indicates a potential diagnosis of dementia. Generally, the MMSE is a widely used tool for screening cognitive impairment and assessing the severity of cognitive impairment in a patient. Scores on the MMSE can range from 0 to 30, with lower scores reflecting greater cognitive impairment. A score below 24 is commonly interpreted as suggestive of possible cognitive impairment or dementia, and specifically, a score of 22 falls into this range. It signifies that the individual may have difficulty with various cognitive domains, such as memory, attention, language, and visuospatial abilities, which are frequently affected in cases of dementia. Understanding the importance of these scores helps clinicians in early detection and the management of dementia. Identifying individuals with scores in this range can prompt further evaluation and consideration of comprehensive assessments and potential interventions.