From the Guidelines
A Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of 24/30 indicates mild cognitive impairment, suggesting the need for further evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This score falls just below the typical threshold for normal cognition, which is generally considered to be 25-30 1. The MMSE is a widely used, 30-point screening tool that assesses various cognitive domains, including orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills.
Key Considerations
- A score of 24 suggests some cognitive deficits, but the person may still maintain relatively functional abilities.
- This result warrants further evaluation, including comprehensive neuropsychological testing, medical history review, laboratory tests, and possibly brain imaging, to determine the cause of the cognitive impairment.
- Early identification of cognitive decline allows for timely intervention, which may help slow progression of cognitive decline.
MMSE Score Interpretation
- A perfect score on the MMSE is 30 points.
- A total score of 23 or less suggests dementia 1.
- MMSE scores indicative of cognitive impairment vary by age and education, with normative values available for these adjustments 1.
Next Steps
- Further evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the cognitive impairment, which could include early dementia, medication effects, depression, or other medical conditions.
- Comprehensive neuropsychological testing, medical history review, laboratory tests, and possibly brain imaging should be considered to determine the cause of the cognitive impairment and guide appropriate intervention.
From the Research
MMSE Score Interpretation
- A Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of 24/30 indicates some level of cognitive impairment, as the typical cut-off score for normal cognitive function is often considered to be 28 or higher 2.
- However, the optimal cut-off levels for mild and severe cognitive impairment may vary, with some studies suggesting a cut-off score of 26.1 for both mild and severe cognitive deficit 3.
- The MMSE score is influenced by demographic variables such as age and education, which can affect the interpretation of the results 4.
- A score of 24/30 may suggest mild cognitive impairment, but it is essential to consider the individual's overall clinical presentation and other diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis 5, 6.
Cognitive Impathing Classification
- Severe cognitive deficit: MMSE score below 24 3
- Mild cognitive deficit: MMSE score between 24 and 29.7 3
- Normal cognitive function: MMSE score 28 or higher 2