Folstein

Folstein is a surname of German origin. The name is most prominently associated with the development of a widely used cognitive assessment tool in medicine and psychology.

The best-known use of the Folstein name in the academic literature is in connection with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a 30-point questionnaire designed to screen for cognitive impairment. The MMSE was introduced in 1975 by Marshall M. Folstein, S. E. Folstein, and Paul R. McHugh. It assesses functions such as orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, language, and simple visuospatial skills. The instrument quickly became a standard in clinical practice and research for evaluating cognitive status in older adults and for tracking changes over time. Numerous language versions and normative data have since been developed to support diverse patient populations.

Beyond the MMSE, individuals bearing the Folstein surname have contributed to fields related to psychiatry, neurology, and psychology. However, in the public and scholarly record, the name Folstein is most closely linked to the MMSE and its role in cognitive assessment.

In summary, Folstein denotes a German-origin surname most notably associated with the co-creator authors of the MMSE, a foundational tool in cognitive screening used worldwide.