Brief cognitive assessment of cancer patients: evaluation of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) psychometric properties

AIM: The aim of the present study was to validate the Greek version of the MMSE in advanced-cancer patients attending a palliative care unit. METHODS: The sample consisted of 103 advanced-cancer patients. The questionnaire was completed at baseline and three days later. Together with the MMSE, the patients also completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 Cognitive functioning scale, while researchers recorded data on demographic characteristics, disease status and treatment regimen. RESULTS: MMSE had overall Cronbach alpha 0.890. Validity as performed using known-group analysis showed good results. MMSE discriminated well between subgroups of patients differing in disease severity as defined by ECOG performance status. Comparison between the MMSE and the EORTC Cognitive functioning scale was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These psychometric properties of the Greek version of the MMSE confirm it as a valid and reliable measure when administered to patients with advanced cancer.