Testing for Dementia: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

A more sensitive screening test for dementia

If you suspect your older adult could be showing signs of dementia and not just having some “senior moments,” the first step is to visit their primary doctor for a full check-up.

If there aren’t any obvious causes of dementia-like symptoms, like a UTI, many doctors use a test called the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) to screen for possible cognitive issues. A better, but not as commonly used, screening test is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

How the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) works

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a one page, 30 point test that takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require the doctor to have any special training.

The MoCA usually tests these cognitive areas:

• Ability to process and understand visual information about where objects are
• Executive functions – ability to manage cognitive processes
• Language
• Short-term memory recall
• Attention
• Concentration
• Working memory
• Awareness of time and place

How are the MoCA and MMSE different?

The MoCA looks similar to the MMSE, but the MoCA tests a variety of different cognitive functions and the MMSE focuses mostly on memory and recall.

The MoCA is generally better at detecting mild impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease because it’s a more sensitive test and is more difficult. So, if a doctor sees a patient who is questioning their mental functioning, they might give the MoCA. But if a patient comes in and is clearly cognitively impaired, a very sensitive test wouldn’t be as necessary since the issues are more obvious.

The MoCA has also been shown to be a better screening tool for conditions like:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Vascular dementia
• Traumatic brain injury (often from falls)
• Huntington’s disease
• Brain tumors
• Multiple sclerosis

How are the MoCA and MMSE similar?

Even though these are good screening tools for cognitive impairments, neither test was designed to diagnose cognitive conditions.

They also can’t be used to distinguish between conditions. For example, you couldn’t use either test to diagnose someone with Alzheimer’s versus frontotemporal dementia. After the initial screening, more testing would be needed.

Next Step  Find out how the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) works

Recommended for you:
— Testing for Dementia: The Mini Mental Status Exam
— Testing for Dementia: Why the Mini Mental Status Exam Isn’t Enough
— Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Know the Difference

By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Sources: MoCA, Wikipedia, Today’s Geriatric Medicine
Image: howwhywhere

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