University of Minnesota
 A Geriatric Home Visit Experience
Mental Status Assessment
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senior reflectsA number of formal tools exist to quickly assess mental status. The most common of these is the Folstein Mini-Mental Status Examination, a 30-point test of orientation, memory, attention, and ability to draw, read, and follow directions. Orientation and memory account for over half of the points on this examination.

Because many patients are sensitive about loss of memory, it is important to preface tests of mental status with a brief explanation of the routine nature of this part of the examination.


Dr. Ratner demonstrates how to get started:

video link [:29] audio link

Now I'm going to ask you some questions to test your thinking. This is routine; I do this for all of my patients. If a patient has trouble with this some time in the future, I can know that things were OK at this time. Some of the questions may seem silly, some might be hard for you. Let's start with . . .

Repeat and remember these three words: ball, tree, flag

_______________ ___ _______________ ___ _______________

Now remember those words.

Next, where are we located?

Name of building/Street address _________________________

Floor/Apartment # _________________________

City _________________________

State _________________________

County _________________________

What day of the week is this? _________________________

Month _________________________

Date _________________________

Year _________________________

Season _________________________

Now, what are those three words I asked you to remember?

_______________ ___ _______________ ___ _______________

Questions regarding orientation and memory
are the core of cognitive impairment assessment:

Senior A

video link [:59] audio link

Senior B

video link [:35] audio link

Go to next page: Medication Review

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University of Minnesota Academic Health Center Seniors as Teachers Program

Date of last revision: December 17, 2001

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