ABSTRACT
This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the Severe Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE), which is an objective, clinician-administered test, designed specifically for patients in the later stages of progressive dementias, such as moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease. Development of the SMMSE aimed to improve on the Mini-Mental State Examination when used with patients in the later stages of dementia. The SMMSE is a reliable and valid test for patients with moderate and severe degrees of impairment and meets the authors’ aim of not being subject to floor effects. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.
