MoCA stands for Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
It is a short test that tests various cognitive functions and is often used to screen for cognitive impairments such as MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and dementia.
The test evaluates cognitive functions from different areas, such as memory, language, executive functions, attention, visual-spatial abilities and orientation. Repeated testing also allows an assessment over time.
The assessment is based on a 30-point scale:
- a score of 26 and higher is considered a normal result.
- a score of 18-25 is considered MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment);
- a score of 10-17 is considered moderate cognitive impairment
- a score of less than 10 is considered severe cognitive impairment
The score can be adjusted to take account of different educational backgrounds in the evaluation.
The test should only be evaluated and interpreted by trained persons with experience in the application and evaluation of cognitive tests (neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, doctors with appropriate experience).
The test is of great importance as it is sensitive, widely used and well-known and is used both in clinical practice and in scientific research.