Predicting Scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) from Spontaneous Speech

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between language components, such as lexical density, length, and content in terms of “Time, Space and Action”, with MMSE scores. For this reason, a group of 33 older participants, without a diagnosis of dementia, was examined, providing information regarding recent and future events. Participants with higher MMSE scores showed higher lexical density, speech length, as well as number of tokens related to Time, Place and Action in their speech. However, these differences only reach the statistical level for lexical density when participants were divided into two groups (MCI and healthy controls). Word frequency was lower for participants with MCI but this difference was not statistically significant. Lastly, lexical density was positively correlated with MMSE scores and predicted MMSE scores. These results could be of interest at the applied level in the screening of MCI.

Psychometric Properties of the Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (SCD-Q) and Its Invariance across Age Groups

“…During the first stages of cognitive impairment, subtle changes might occur, they being difficult to detect using objective tests [6]. Even if individuals are likely to experience cognitive changes throughout their lifespans, not all of them will consult a professional for advice [7].…”