MOCA normal score threshold?

MOCA normal score threshold?

• A. 23 or higher
• B. 24 or higher
• C. 26 or higher
• D. 28 or higher

Answer: (C)

MOCA uses a 30-point scale and is designed to screen for mild cognitive impairment across several cognitive domains. The commonly used threshold for normal cognition is 26 or higher, meaning scores at or above 26 are considered within normal limits and below 26 raise concern for possible cognitive impairment that may merit further evaluation. This cutoff comes from validation studies that balance sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI. In some settings, an education adjustment is used (adding 1 point for individuals with less education), which can effectively shift the interpretation toward 25 for those cases, but the standard cutoff most often cited is 26. The other options are not the typical cutoff points used in practice.

MOCA uses a 30-point scale and is designed to screen for mild cognitive impairment across several cognitive domains. The commonly used threshold for normal cognition is 26 or higher, meaning scores at or above 26 are considered within normal limits and below 26 raise concern for possible cognitive impairment that may merit further evaluation. This cutoff comes from validation studies that balance sensitivity and specificity in detecting MCI. In some settings, an education adjustment is used (adding 1 point for individuals with less education), which can effectively shift the interpretation toward 25 for those cases, but the standard cutoff most often cited is 26. The other options are not the typical cutoff points used in practice.