Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE):

How is it used to detect Dementia/Alzheimer’s?

Mini Mental State Examination, also known as MMSE is a short 30-point questionnaire test that is used to detect complaints of memory problems. It can be used by clinicians to help diagnose dementia and to help asses its progression and severity. The MMSE provides measures of orientation, registration, short-term memory, as well as language functioning. Scores of 25-30 are considered normal, 21-24 as mild, 10-20 as moderate, and less than 10 as severe impairment. People with mild Alzheimer’s disease tend to score in the 19 to 24 range. Scores decline with advancing age and increase with higher educational level.
            The MMSE is a widely used, validated, and reliable method of screening for Alzheimer’s disease. It is also used to follow the course of cognitive changes in an individual over time. The test has been able to differentiate different types of dementias. Studies have found that patients with Alzheimer’s disease score significantly lower on orientation to time and place. The MMSE can also be used to assess changes in a person who has already been diagnosed with dementia. It can help to give an indication of how severe a person’s symptoms are and how quickly their dementia is progressing. On average, people with Alzheimer’s disease whoa re not receiving treatment lose 2 to 4 MMSE points each year.

Here is a link to the exam:
MMSE

Source- Alzheimer's Society