Dementia Risk Calculator / MMSE scores
Mmse Score of 8
See what a Mini-Mental State Examination score out of 30 usually means.
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What an MMSE score of 8 means
A score of 8 out of 30 is in the severe impairment range (0–17). Education, language and hearing affect the score, so it is always interpreted alongside a full assessment.
How MMSE scores are read
The Mini-Mental State Examination is a 30-point test of memory, attention, language and orientation given by a health professional.
24–30: normal · 18–23: mild impairment · 0–17: severe impairment
A drop of 2 to 4 points or more over a year is usually more meaningful than a single score.
Lower scores
Scores in the teens or below usually mean help is needed with daily life. A specialist memory assessment is recommended.
MMSE score bands
| Score | Usual meaning |
|---|---|
| 24–30 | No cognitive impairment |
| 18–23 | Mild impairment |
| 0–17 | Severe impairment |
Common questions
Can dementia risk be reduced?
Yes. Controlling blood pressure, staying active, not smoking, treating hearing loss and staying socially engaged all lower risk.
Should I talk to a doctor?
Yes, if the result worries you or if you have new symptoms. These tools support, but do not replace, a clinical assessment.
Sources
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