Which task is used to assess attention in the Mini-Mental State Examination based on the material?

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Multiple Choice

Which task is used to assess attention in the Mini-Mental State Examination based on the material?

Explanation:
Attention and concentration in the MMSE are primarily assessed with a serial calculation task. Counting backwards from 100 by 7s requires sustained mental focus, working memory, and processing speed to continuously subtract in sequence, which directly gauges how well a person can attend to a task and maintain attention over time. Remembering three objects measures immediate memory for items just named, not attention. Copying a design tests visuospatial ability and constructional praxis rather than attention. Spelling a word backwards can tap working memory and attention in some versions, but the standard MMSE attention item is the serial subtraction starting at 100.

Attention and concentration in the MMSE are primarily assessed with a serial calculation task. Counting backwards from 100 by 7s requires sustained mental focus, working memory, and processing speed to continuously subtract in sequence, which directly gauges how well a person can attend to a task and maintain attention over time.

Remembering three objects measures immediate memory for items just named, not attention. Copying a design tests visuospatial ability and constructional praxis rather than attention. Spelling a word backwards can tap working memory and attention in some versions, but the standard MMSE attention item is the serial subtraction starting at 100.

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