title: [The mini-mental state examination in screening of cognitive dysfunction and dementia].
abstract: The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) is one of the most widely used screening instruments for the detection of cognitive impairments, used primarily in connection with screening for dementia. The intent of this review is to describe the original purpose of the MMSE and how it is currently used in clinical practice and in research. Advantages and limitations of the MMSE in providing a valid diagnosis of cognitive impairments (dementia) are discussed including sensitivity and specificity, the issues of the relationship of the MMSE scores to sociodemographic variables and examinations of factor structures of the MMSE. It is concluded that the MMSE provides a valid diagnosis of cognitive impairments among people with moderate and severe dementia in general populations. However, MMSE is not recommended as a screening instrument for the detection of early stages of dementia. Studies are needed to extend the present knowledge about how or whether the MMSE can be used in the clinical diagnostic evaluation of dementia and how demented patients treated with medications should be monitored.
authors.affiliation: Center for Forskning, H:S Kommunehospitalet, København.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Lomholt
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Jürgensen
mesh_terms: D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards
vernacular_title: Mini-mental state examination ved undersøgelser af kognitiv dysfunktion og demens.