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Can I take the MMSE test without a doctor ordering it?

A fellow caregiver asked...

My partner is concerned that I may have early stages of alzheimer's disease because of memory issues. Can I take the MMSE test without a doctor ordering it?

Expert Answer

Monica is an occupational therapist and designer of adapted dementia products through her company MindStart. Activities for Persons With Memory Loss. In addition, she works with the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer's Association and the University of Minnesota on dementia issues. MindStart provides age-appropriate and stage-appropriate dementia activities, such as games, puzzles, and books. The items are simplified to meet the needs of various stages of dementia while remaining dignified and familiar in appearance

I am guessing you are guarded about having a physician involved regarding your memory issues. It can be a time filled with uncertainty and fear. You asked about taking a MMSE test without a doctor ordering it. If you searched hard enough you might find someone willing to do it... but here are the reasons I would ask you to consider having the physician do it:

  1. The person giving the MMSE should be trained in proper administration or you may get incorrect results.

  2. Memory problems can have reversible causes, such as vitamin deficiency or depression.

  3. The medical community is stressing early detection of memory issues is key. If it is a type of irreversible dementia, early detection allows you to get proper medication, support, time to make decisions, and time to make your wants and needs known.

Best wishes to you.