Short answer
The MMSE is scored out of 30. Scores of 24 or higher are commonly considered normal, adjusted for education and other factors.
MMSE vs. MoCA vs. Mini-Cog
| Tool | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| MMSE | 30 points; ≤23 suggests impairment | Moderate to severe impairment, tracking over time |
| MoCA | 30 points; 26+ normal (+1 point for ≤12 years of education) | Detecting mild cognitive impairment |
| Mini-Cog | 3-word recall + clock drawing | Quick screening in primary care, including the Medicare annual wellness exam |
USA Mental Status Exam: Quick Facts
- MSE type
- Observational, structured description
- MMSE max score
- 30 points
- Common MMSE cutoff
- ≤23 suggests impairment (adjust for education)
- MoCA normal
- 26+ out of 30
- Time (MMSE)
- About 10 minutes
- Used by
- Psychiatry, nursing, primary care, neurology
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