Validation of a short test (3MS-R) for detecting Alzheimer's disease

Background: The Modified Mini-Mental State Examination-revised (3MS-R) is a brief cognitive test designed to detect cognitive impairment, which is often used in Canada and USA. Objective: To assess the accuracy of the 3MS-R in identifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) in comparison with the conventional Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in a German-speaking population. Subjects: The study refers to 31 patients with early AD and 5 patients with moderate dementia of AD etiology, as well as to 46 age-matched cognitively normal participants. Method: The 3MS-R and the MMSE were validated against an expert diagnosis based on a comprehensive diagnostic workup. The 3MS scores were adjusted for educational attainment. Statistical analysis was performed using the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC). Results: ROC curves demonstrated the superiority of the ACE over the MMSE in identifying AD (Area under the Curve: 3MS-R vs. MMSE: 0.995 vs.0.953). The optimal cut-off score for the 3MS for detecting AD was 88 and had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 94%. The German version of the 3MS-R is a short and practical but accurate test battery for the identification of AD. The effectiveness of the German version of the test in detecting other forms of dementias or mild cognitive impairment could be a task for future studies.