MMSE Language: Naming and Repetition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the MMSE naming task, what two common objects are traditionally shown to the patient?
- A pencil and a watch (Correct answer)
- A key and a coin
- A cup and a spoon
- A pen and a ring
Correct answer: A pencil and a watch
The standard MMSE naming task presents a pencil and a wristwatch, each worth 1 point if correctly named.
Question 2: A patient names a wristwatch as 'clock.' How should the examiner score this response on the MMSE naming task?
- Score 0 — 'clock' is not the correct term (Correct answer)
- Score 1 — it is close enough to be accepted
- Score 0.5 — partial credit is allowed
- Ask the patient to try again before scoring
Correct answer: Score 0 — 'clock' is not the correct term
The MMSE requires the exact correct name; 'clock' for a wristwatch is not accepted, so the item scores 0.
Question 3: What is the maximum score a patient can achieve on the MMSE repetition task?
- 1 (Correct answer)
- 2
- 3
- 5
Correct answer: 1
The repetition item is worth 1 point total — the patient must repeat the phrase perfectly on the first attempt.
Question 4: Which phrase is used in the standard MMSE repetition item?
- 'No ifs, ands, or buts' (Correct answer)
- 'Rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain'
- 'She sells seashells by the seashore'
- 'The early bird catches the worm'
Correct answer: 'No ifs, ands, or buts'
'No ifs, ands, or buts' is the phrase patients must repeat verbatim to earn the repetition point.
Question 5: Why does the MMSE repetition phrase 'No ifs, ands, or buts' specifically challenge language function?
- It requires precise articulation of grammatical function words (Correct answer)
- It uses rare vocabulary unfamiliar to most adults
- It demands memory of a long sentence over 15 words
- It tests reading aloud rather than verbal repetition
Correct answer: It requires precise articulation of grammatical function words
The phrase tests articulation and phonological accuracy using common but phonetically demanding grammatical function words.
Question 6: A patient with mild dysarthria repeats the phrase clearly but substitutes 'or' for 'and.' How should this be scored?
- 0 — the phrase must be exact (Correct answer)
- 1 — the meaning is preserved
- 0.5 — partial credit for near-accuracy
- Repeat the phrase once more and re-score
Correct answer: 0 — the phrase must be exact
The MMSE repetition item requires verbatim accuracy; any substitution, even a single word, results in a score of 0.
Question 7: How many times is the examiner allowed to present the repetition phrase to the patient on the MMSE?
- Once only (Correct answer)
- Twice if the first attempt fails
- Up to three times
- As many times as needed
Correct answer: Once only
The phrase is presented only once; repeated presentations are not permitted in standard MMSE administration.
MMSE Language: Naming and Repetition 2
In the MMSE naming task, what two common objects are traditionally shown to the patient?