Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
30-point cognitive screening instrument for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Assesses visuospatial, naming, memory, attention, language, abstraction, and orientation. Score <26 = cognitive impairment. +1 point if ≤12 years education.
Score interpretation
MoCA ≥ 26 — normal cognitive performance
→ No specific cognitive intervention required; reassess if concerns arise clinically; repeat annually if risk factors for dementia present
MoCA < 26 — cognitive impairment possible. At this cut-off the MoCA detected 90% of mild cognitive impairment and 100% of mild Alzheimer's disease, with 87% specificity (Nasreddine 2005).
→ Full cognitive assessment and history from an informant; check reversible causes (thyroid, B12, folate, glucose, medication, mood); consider memory clinic referral; assess capacity, driving and safety; interpret in light of education, language and sensory impairment.
Interpretation bands for the MoCA. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Nasreddine ZS et al. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA: A Brief Screening Tool For Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005;53(4):695–699.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) · Cognitive Assessment
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) · Cognitive Assessment
- MoCA — Montreal Cognitive Assessment · Cognitive Assessment
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) · Cognitive Assessment
- 6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) · Cognitive Assessment
- Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMT-10) · Cognitive Assessment
- Hydrocortisone (Topical) · Mild Topical Corticosteroid
- Hydrocortisone with chlorhexidine and nystatin · Topical mild steroid + antibacterial + antifungal
- Hydrocortisone with clotrimazole · Topical mild steroid + antifungal
- Hydrocortisone with fusidic acid · Topical mild steroid + antibacterial
- Hydrocortisone with miconazole · Topical mild steroid + antifungal
- Hydrocortisone with oxytetracycline · Topical mild steroid + tetracycline antibacterial
- Acute Behavioural Disturbance / Rapid Tranquillisation · RCEM 2022; RCPsych 2022; NICE NG10
- Self-Harm Presentation · NICE NG225 (2022)
- Capacity Assessment (Mental Capacity Act) · MCA 2005; Code of Practice
- Acute Psychosis Management · NICE CG178 2014
- Depression Management · NICE CG90 2022
- Lithium Therapy Monitoring · NICE CG185
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.