In adults presenting with acute confusion is Mini mental state exam better than the Abbreviated mental test in Detecting acute confusion?

Date First Published:

July 5, 2010

Last Updated:

July 12, 2010

Report by:

Rachel Alstead, medical student (MRI)

Three-Part Question:

In [adults presenting with acute confusion] is [Mini mental state exam better than the Abbreviated mental test] in [Detecting acute confusion]

Clinical Scenario:

A 42 year old female presents at the emergency department with signs of apparent acute confusion. You wonder which is the best cognitive function test to diagnose her with delirium.

Search Strategy:

MEDLINE 1950 to June week 4 2010, EMBASE 1980 to 2010 week 26 and the COCHRANE LIBRARY.

Search Details:

(exp confusion/OR exp delirium) AND (MMSE.mp. OR mini mental state exam .mp.) AND (AMT.mp. OR abbreviated mental test.mp.) limit to human and English language.

Outcome:

No papers were found in either of the searches.

Author Commentary:

There was no evidence found to specifically compare these two tests. However there are papers available that explore the efficacy of other cognitive function test that can be used to aid the diagnosis of acute confusion.

Bottom Line:

There is no evidence available to compare the two test. Practice should be based on local guidelines.