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).
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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
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
Dorothy /downey
What does a score of 23 mean on this test? Alzheimers????
DailyCaring
No, it absolutely does not mean that someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This is a screening test only and MUST be interpreted by a doctor. It does not diagnose anything. What the score means is that someone needs to be evaluated for any potential cognitive issues. There are many TREATABLE health conditions that could cause these types of symptoms, which is why it’s so important to see a doctor and find out the true cause of the issue. Even something as simple and easily treatable as a urinary tract infection can cause alarming cognitive changes.
Here’s more information about a variety of treatable health conditions that could cause temporary cognitive impairment:
— Is It Alzheimer’s or a Urinary Tract Infection? https://dailycaring.com/alzheimers-or-urinary-tract-infection/
— 7 Treatable Health Conditions with Symptoms Similar to Dementia https://dailycaring.com/7-treatable-health-conditions-with-symptoms-similar-to-dementia/
— 8 Treatable Diseases That Mimic Dementia https://dailycaring.com/8-treatable-diseases-that-mimic-dementia/
Here’s information about what needs to happen in order to get an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia — How Is Dementia Diagnosed? A Geriatrician Explains https://dailycaring.com/how-is-dementia-diagnosed-a-geriatrician-explains/