Which of the following is a test that is used to screen for dementia?

• A. Denver II
• B. MFVP
• C. MMSE
• D. DTVP

Answer: (C)

Screening cognitive function quickly and broadly is what this item tests. The MMSE, or Mini-Mental State Examination, is a short, widely used cognitive screening tool that assesses multiple domains commonly affected by dementia—orientation to time and place, immediate and short-term memory, attention and calculation, language, and visuospatial skills. Its brevity and breadth make it a practical first step to flag possible cognitive impairment and to monitor changes over time. The other tests are used for different purposes: Denver II screens development in children, MFVP is a perceptual or visual-spatial assessment not designed for dementia screening, and DTVP assesses visual perception in children. Therefore, the MMSE is the best choice for screening for dementia.