MoCA Attention and Concentration 3

Question 1

At what rate should the examiner read the letters aloud during the MoCA vigilance task?

Accepted Answer

One per second

Answer

The standard rate for reading the letter sequence in the vigilance task is one letter per second. This controlled pace is essential for standardized administration.

Question 2

A patient correctly subtracts 7 from 100 three times but then gives an incorrect fourth answer. How many points are awarded for serial 7s?

Accepted Answer

3 points

Answer

Three consecutive correct subtractions earns 3 points. The scoring stops counting correct subtractions after the run ends; only the number of correct responses (up to 5 attempts) is counted.

Question 3

On the backward digit span task, the examiner reads the digits at one per second and asks the patient to repeat them:

Accepted Answer

In reverse order

Answer

The backward digit span instruction asks the patient to repeat the sequence in reverse order. This taxes working memory more than the forward span.

Question 4

Why does the MoCA include both forward AND backward digit span tasks?

Accepted Answer

Forward span tests attention; backward span adds working memory demands

Answer

Forward span primarily tests auditory attention, while backward span additionally requires mental manipulation (working memory). Together they provide a more complete picture of attentional capacity.

Question 5

Which patient behavior during the serial 7s task should the examiner accept as correct?

Accepted Answer

Each subtraction is scored independently from the preceding answer given

Answer

Each subtraction is evaluated independently. If a patient says 93, then 87, the second answer of 87 is accepted because 93 - 7 = 86 — wait, evaluating sequentially: 93 is correct (100-7), then 86 (93-7) is correct. Answers are scored on each individual subtraction from the prior response.

(MoCA) Montreal Cognitive Assessment Practice Test

(MoCA) Montreal Cognitive Assessment Practice Test

MoCA Attention and Concentration 3