Which statement about the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is true?

Which statement about the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is true?

• A. It is used to screen for Mild Cognitive Impairment
• B. It diagnoses dementia
• C. It cures dementia
• D. It tests only memory

Answer: (A)

The MoCA is a quick screening tool designed to detect cognitive impairment, with particular sensitivity for identifying mild cognitive impairment. It assesses multiple cognitive domains—visuospatial/executive, naming, memory, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation—so it provides a broad view of cognitive function rather than focusing solely on memory. Because scores can indicate potential impairment, a low result prompts further, more comprehensive evaluation to determine whether dementia or another condition may be present. It does not diagnose dementia by itself, it does not cure dementia, and it does not test only memory.

The MoCA is a quick screening tool designed to detect cognitive impairment, with particular sensitivity for identifying mild cognitive impairment. It assesses multiple cognitive domains—visuospatial/executive, naming, memory, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation—so it provides a broad view of cognitive function rather than focusing solely on memory. Because scores can indicate potential impairment, a low result prompts further, more comprehensive evaluation to determine whether dementia or another condition may be present. It does not diagnose dementia by itself, it does not cure dementia, and it does not test only memory.