Psychology RootsMental Status Questionnaire
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About Mental Status Questionnaire
Scale Name
Mental Status Questionnaire
Author Details
Robert L. Kahn
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Mental Status Questionnaire (MSQ), developed by Robert L. Kahn in 1960, is a 10-item interviewer-administered tool designed to provide a brief, objective measure of cognitive functioning in elderly individuals. Published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (1960), the MSQ was intended for use with patient or community samples but is less suitable for community studies due to its sensitivity to severe impairment. It assesses orientation (time and place), remote memory, and general knowledge, with items selected from existing mental status exams and clinical experience. Responses allow some latitude (e.g., ±3 days for date), and scores reflect the number of errors (0 = ideal, omissions count as errors).
Scores range from 0–10 errors, with cutoffs varying by context: ≥3 errors indicate chronic brain syndrome (CBS) per Milne et al. (1969), while Zarit et al. (1981) suggest 1–2 errors as minor, 3–5 as mild-to-moderate, and 6–10 as moderate-to-severe impairment. Adjusted cutoffs (e.g., +1 error) are used for those with lower education or specific ethnic backgrounds. The MSQ was validated with ~1,077 institutionalized patients and 487 community elderly (mean age ≈ 65–85 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), showing strong association with CBS diagnoses. It is used in geriatrics and psychiatry to screen cognitive decline. Access requires permission from Journal of the American Geriatrics Society or the author.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the MSQ from Kahn (1960) or Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (elderly adults 65+ in patient or institutional settings) that the interview assesses cognitive function, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 10-item scale by a trained interviewer in clinical or institutional settings, allowing slight response latitude (e.g., ±3 days for date), and recording errors.
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a quiet, supportive environment; provide cognitive support resources (e.g., memory aids) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., clear questions, hearing assistance) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The MSQ demonstrates solid psychometric properties (Kahn et al., 1960). Test-retest reliability is strong (r = 0.87, 2–4 weeks, N not specified), with split-half reliability at 0.82 and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) at 0.81. Stability is high, with 75% of scores changing ≤1 point over four administrations at 3-week intervals (unpublished data).
Convergent validity is supported by strong associations with the Face-Hand Test and psychiatric CBS diagnoses (e.g., 95% with 10 errors had moderate/severe CBS, N = 1,077). Discriminant validity is evidenced by sensitivity (64% community, 45–55% at different cutoffs) and specificity (99% community, 96–98%), though sensitivity is lower in community settings. Factor analysis is not reported, but the scale’s focus on orientation and memory supports construct validity. The MSQ effectively screens severe cognitive impairment. Pairing with the Mini-Mental State Examination or Dementia Rating Scale enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Kahn, R. L., Goldfarb, A. I., Pollack, M. A. X., & Peck, A. (1960). Brief objective measures for the determination of mental status in the aged. American journal of Psychiatry, 117(4), 326-328.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mental Status Questionnaire measure?
It measures cognitive functioning in the elderly, focusing on orientation, memory, and general knowledge.
Who is the target population?
Elderly adults (65+) in patient or institutional settings, less suited for community use.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it screens cognitive impairment to guide geriatric care interventions.
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