Factor structure of the Mini-Mental State Examination in adult psychiatric inpatients

Psychol Assess. 2002 Dec;14(4):397-400. doi: 10.1037//1040-3590.14.4.397.

Abstract

The factor structure of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) has been examined primarily in geriatric populations using differing methodology and yielding inconsistent results. This study examined the MMSE in 339 adult inpatients at a nonforensic state psychiatric hospital. Data were analyzed in the form of 30 dichotomous variables (1 for each scored response). A 5-factor oblique solution was retained, comprising factors of Orientation, Attention-Working Memory, Verbal Recall, Comprehension-Praxis, and Naming. Higher order factors of Executive Functioning and Language-Praxis were also found. The results fit the traditional neurocognitive domains of a mental status examination and generally replicated findings from the 2 largest studies published to date despite differences in population, suggesting that the obtained factors are fairly robust.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / complications*
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests*