What Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score range indicates mild cognitive impairment?

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a widely used tool for screening cognitive function and assessing the severity of cognitive impairment. A score in the range of 18 to 23 points on the MMSE indicates mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This range suggests that the individual has noticeable cognitive deficits that may not severely impact daily functioning but are often detectable through testing.

The recognition of this range as indicative of MCI is grounded in clinical practice guidelines and research that differentiate between cognitive abilities. Individuals scoring below 24 are generally considered to have some level of cognitive impairment, with those scoring between 18 and 23 falling into the category of mild cognitive impairment. This distinction is important as it may lead to further evaluations and interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function and enhancing quality of life.

Higher scores, such as those from 24 to 30, typically reflect normal cognitive function, while lower scores such as those from 0 to 17 indicate severe cognitive impairment. Therefore, understanding the specific score ranges helps in the accurate diagnosis and management of cognitive disorders.