MoCA
Pronunciation: MOH-kah
Also written as: MoCA — Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Abbreviation for Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a one-page, 30-point cognitive screening tool more sensitive than the MMSE for detecting mild cognitive impairment.
Full Definition
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) assesses multiple cognitive domains including visuospatial and executive function, naming, memory, attention, language, abstraction, and orientation, scoring up to 30 points. A score of 26 or above is generally considered normal; a one-point correction is added for patients with 12 or fewer years of formal education. The MoCA's superior sensitivity to the MMSE for detecting mild cognitive impairment makes it the preferred screening tool in many geriatric rehabilitation settings. Editors should not treat 'MoCA' and 'MMSE' as interchangeable synonyms, as they differ significantly in scope and clinical application. 'MoCA' is a registered trademark and should be rendered in this exact capitalisation.
Usage
Usage note: Render as 'MoCA' — mixed case with capital M and C — not 'MOCA' or 'Moca.' This capitalisation reflects the registered trademark. Always distinguish from MMSE in copy.
In Context
- "Given the patient's subtle word-finding difficulties, the team chose to administer the MoCA rather than the MMSE to capture any mild cognitive impairment." — Geriatrician outpatient clinic letter
- "The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was repeated at six weeks and showed an improvement from 22 to 26, suggesting delirium resolution rather than underlying dementia." — Inpatient rehabilitation progress note