MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Registration of Words Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When administering the 'Registration of Words' section of the MMSE, how is the score determined?
- The score is the total number of words the patient can repeat after up to six trials.
- The score is based on the patient's first attempt to repeat the three words. (Correct answer)
- The score is the average number of words repeated correctly over three trials.
- The score is based on the patient's ability to recall the words after the attention and calculation task.
Correct answer: The score is based on the patient's first attempt to repeat the three words.
According to standardized MMSE instructions, the score for the registration phase (worth a total of 3 points) is determined solely by the number of words the patient correctly repeats on their first attempt. Although the examiner may repeat the words up to six times to help the patient learn them for the later recall task, these subsequent repetitions do not count towards the registration score.
Question 2: An examiner is administering the MMSE. During the 'Registration of Words' task, the patient correctly repeats two words on the first try, but cannot remember the third. What is the immediate next step for the examiner?
- Record a score of 2 and move on to the 'Attention and Calculation' section.
- Tell the patient the correct word and then move on to the next section.
- Continue to say the three words until the patient can repeat all three, for up to six total trials. (Correct answer)
- Discontinue the MMSE as the patient is unable to complete the registration task.
Correct answer: Continue to say the three words until the patient can repeat all three, for up to six total trials.
If a patient does not repeat all three words on the first try, the examiner should record the score from that initial attempt (in this case, 2). However, they must then continue repeating the words until the patient learns all three, for a maximum of six trials. This is crucial because the subsequent 'Recall' section cannot be meaningfully tested if the words were not learned in the first place.
Question 3: Which of the following is a key instruction for the examiner when presenting the three words during the MMSE registration task?
- Say the words quickly to test processing speed.
- Use three related objects to aid memory (e.g., 'bed, pillow, blanket').
- Say the names of three unrelated objects clearly and slowly. (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to write down the words as they hear them.
Correct answer: Say the names of three unrelated objects clearly and slowly.
Standard MMSE protocol requires the examiner to say the names of three unrelated objects. The words should be spoken clearly and slowly, at a pace of about one second per word, to ensure the patient has the best opportunity to hear and process them.
Question 4: A patient is administered the 'Registration of Words' section and repeats the three words correctly on the first attempt. What score should be recorded for this section?
- 1
- 5
- 0
- 3 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3
The 'Registration of Words' section is worth a maximum of 3 points. One point is awarded for each word correctly repeated on the first attempt. If the patient successfully repeats all three words, they receive the maximum score of 3.
Question 5: During the MMSE, what is the primary cognitive function being assessed by the 'Registration of Words' task?
- Long-term memory
- Executive function
- Immediate recall or immediate memory (Correct answer)
- Visuospatial skills
Correct answer: Immediate recall or immediate memory
The registration task specifically measures immediate recall, also known as immediate memory or registration. It assesses the patient's ability to immediately repeat back information they have just heard. The 'Recall' section, which comes later in the exam, tests short-term memory.
Question 6: If a patient fails to learn all three words after six trials in the registration phase, what is the most significant implication for the rest of the MMSE?
- The total MMSE score will be automatically invalid.
- The 'Recall' section cannot be meaningfully tested. (Correct answer)
- The examiner must switch to an alternative set of three words.
- The 'Attention and Calculation' section must be skipped.
Correct answer: The 'Recall' section cannot be meaningfully tested.
The ability to test delayed recall is contingent upon the initial registration of the information. If the patient cannot learn the three words after the maximum number of trials, the subsequent 'Recall' task, which asks for those specific words, cannot be properly administered or scored.
MMSE - Mini-Mental State Examination Registration of Words Questions and Answers
When administering the 'Registration of Words' section of the MMSE, how is the score determined?