A Review of Translations and Adaptations of the Mini-Mental State Examination in Languages Other Than English and Spanish

Abstract

Literature Review Melinda R. Steis, MS, RN; Robert W. Schrauf, PhD This article provides a systematic review of linguistically and culturally adapted versions (translations) of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in languages other than English and Spanish. Adapted versions were found via database search (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts). Source information (where available) is provided for each instrument. To facilitate comparison of the instruments, we developed an assessment framework that provides an organizational structure for the assessment of the quality of translation (linguistic and cultural), psychometric properties, educational considerations, and quality of field testing. The search resulted in 20 articles reporting on 15 language versions of the MMSE. Ms. Steis is Doctoral Candidate, School of Nursing, and Dr. Schrauf is Associate Professor, Department of Applied Linguistics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania. Address correspondence to Melinda R. Steis, MS, RN, Doctoral Candidate, School of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Health and Human Development East, University Park, PA 16802; e-mail: msw156@psu.edu. 10.3928/19404921-20090421-06 Healio is intended for health care provider use and all comments will be posted at the discretion of the editors. We reserve the right not to post any comments with unsolicited information about medical devices or other products. At no time will Healio be used for medical advice to patients.