IQ and scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) were administered to 217 Veterans Affairs (VA) Nursi ng Home patients, 104 of whom did not carry a diagnosis associated with bra in impairment, and 113 who had a diagnosis associated with degenerative or cerebrovascular conditions. MMSE and IQ scores were significantly correlate d in both groups, even controlling for the effects of education. It is sugg ested that although previous normative studies of the MMSE may provide good general clinical guidance, interpretation of "impaired" performance on the MMSE for those with IQ scores below 90 should be approached with caution. Average MMSE scores for Wechsler IQ classifications are provided.