The MoCA test is an update from the olderMini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)introduced in 1975.
It’s simple to use, but it has limitations such as an adjustment needed for education level.
How Common Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
It’s expected to rise to nearly 14 million people by 2060.
Most people with the condition are older than age 60 but the disease can occur in younger people.
How the MoCA Works
The MoCA test is based on scores with a maximum score of 30.
It takes 10 to 12 minutes to complete.
Both tests use a 30-point scale and take only a few minutes to complete.
Both the MoCA and MMSE have their benefits, limitations, and uses.
Interpreting the Results
After tallying the MoCA scores, the results can be interpreted.
Advantages vs.
Anything over 26 is considered normal.
Higher scores indicate worse cognitive dysfunction.
Scores of at least 18 indicate cognitive impairment.
The ADAS-Cog requires high levels of training for the results to be qualitative.
CAM Assessment
The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is an evaluation used to assessdelirium.
Delirium is similar to dementia, but it is not the same.
Delirium can develop independently but can sometimes occur alongside dementia.
It does so based on questions that evaluate seven domains of cognitive function.
The MoCA has a maximum score of 30, and anything below 26 is a sign of cognitive impairment.
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