Is the MMSE still effective for evaluating cognitive decline?

Abstract

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used screening tool for evaluating cognitive decline in various clinical settings. However, there is growing evidence that the MMSE may not be as effective in detecting early stages of cognitive impairment, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Several studies have suggested that the MMSE has lower sensitivity in detecting MCI compared to other neuropsychological tests, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-R). Additionally, the MMSE may not be sensitive enough to detect SCD, which is a subjective complaint of cognitive decline without objective impairment on neuropsychological tests. Despite these limitations, the MMSE remains a viable option for detecting major neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia, and it may still have a role in certain clinical contexts. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific context and purpose of the evaluation when selecting a screening tool for cognitive decline.