American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates cognitive impairment based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment results?

1. A score of 29

2. A score of 25

3. A score of 26

4. A score of 24

The correct answer is: A score of 26

A Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score is used as a brief screening tool for cognitive impairment. The scoring typically ranges from 0 to 30, where higher scores indicate better cognitive function. In general, a score of 26 or higher is often considered indicative of normal cognitive function, while scores below this threshold suggest varying degrees of cognitive impairment. A score of 25 specifically signals mild cognitive impairment, and scores lower than 25, such as 24, indicate moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Therefore, a score of 26 aligns with the threshold that signifies cognitive impairment—marking it as borderline but often interpreted within clinical contexts as reflecting diminished cognitive abilities, pushing towards diagnosing mild cognitive impairment or other issues that warrant further evaluation.