#What is a moca test for dementia professional#
#What is a moca test for dementia series#

In someone who has already been diagnosed with dementia, a repeat MMSE test may show how quickly their dementia is progressing. A deterioration in your MMSE score might prompt your doctor or healthcare provider to ask more questions or arrange other tests. The MMSE may be repeated to check for changes in cognition over time. An MMSE is just one part of a diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia. Your doctor will take this into account when interpreting the results and they will advise if they think you should have further tests or assessments. Sometimes, certain physical disabilities, language, speech, education level or cultural differences can affect the score.įor example, a highly educated person with dementia might still score highly, especially early in their disease. Similarly, a low score does not necessarily mean that you have dementia.

#What is a moca test for dementia professional#

There are limitations to the MMSE which means that your doctor or healthcare professional will take care when interpreting the results.Ī high MMSE score does not necessarily mean that you don’t have cognitive impairment. If the score is below 24, the result is usually considered to be abnormal, indicating possible cognitive impairment. A score of 25 or higher is classed as normal. The questions are usually the same (or very similar) regardless of who conducts the test.įIND A HEALTH SERVICE - The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.ĪSK YOUR DOCTOR - Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

correctly identifying the current day of the week, followed by the date, the month, the season and the year.

writing a short sentence that is grammatically correct, such as “The dog sat on the floor”.

memorising a few objects and then repeating the list back later.

#What is a moca test for dementia series#

The MMSE test consists of a series of tasks such as:

ability to understand and follow instructions.

visuospatial abilities - visual and spatial relationships between objects.

orientation to time and place - knowing the date and where you are.

The MMSE can be used to assess 6 areas of mental abilities, including:

The test used in Australia is known as the SMMSE (Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination). It is also sometimes used as part of the process for determining if someone has cognitive impairment, such as dementia. Your doctor might perform the MMSE if there is a reason to suspect you may be confused, such as after a head injury or during a sudden episode of illness such as an infection. What is a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)?Ī Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a set of 11 questions that doctors and other healthcare professionals commonly use to check for cognitive impairment (problems with thinking, communication, understanding and memory). Related information on Australian websites.If you are feeling anxious about the MMSE.Why might I be asked to repeat the test?.What is a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)?.