Health care - Assessment and testing - Memory and thinking tests

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a ten minute screening tool for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The tool assesses different areas of brain function (attention and concentration, executive functions, memory, language, visuoconstructional skills, conceptual thinking, calculations, and orientation) through a series of activities that are completed both verbally and with paper and pen. The individual is given a score out of 30; a score of 26 or above is considered normal although persons scoring above 26 may still have cognitive impairment and those scoring below 26 may not. The interpretation of the score depends on the symptoms and other findings in the assessment.

Source: The information above come from Nasreddine, Z. (2010). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) - Administration and Scoring Instructions.

The clock-drawing test is used as a quick screening test (one to two minutes) for cognitive dysfunction. It requires the person to draw the face of a clock and position the numbers and hands to represent a time given by the assessor. The tool considers cognitive, motor and perceptual functions. When a person has significant challenges in producing a clock, this can indicate potential problems requiring further examination.

Source: The information above come from Braunberger, P. (2001). The clock-drawing test. 

The original Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and its newer versions are used as a screening test for dementia and cognitive functioning. The tool assesses orientation to time and place, immediate recall, short-term verbal memory, calculation, language, and construct ability, through a series of verbal and paper and pencil activities. Depending on the version being used, the test can take up to 20 minutes to administer. The individual is given a score out of 30; a score above 25 is considered normal although persons scoring above 26 may still have cognitive challenges and those scoring below 26 may not. The interpretation of the score depends on the symptoms and other findings in the assessment.

Source: The information above come from Wikipedia. (2011, April 24). Mini–Mental State Examination.