MoCA Digit Span (Forward and Backward)

Question 1

How many digits are in the forward digit span sequence used in the MoCA?

Accepted Answer

5 digits

Answer

3 digits

Answer

4 digits

Answer

7 digits

Question 2

How many digits are in the backward digit span sequence used in the MoCA?

Accepted Answer

3 digits

Answer

2 digits

Answer

5 digits

Answer

7 digits

Question 3

How should the MoCA digit span sequences be read to the examinee?

Accepted Answer

Read aloud at 1 digit per second in a clear, steady voice

Answer

Written on paper and shown for 5 seconds

Answer

Read aloud as quickly as possible to test rapid processing

Answer

Displayed on a screen at 2-second intervals per digit

Question 4

Under which MoCA domain do both forward and backward digit span tasks fall?

Accepted Answer

Attention

Answer

Language

Answer

Executive Functioning

Answer

Memory

Question 5

How many total points can be earned from both digit span tasks combined on the MoCA?

Accepted Answer

2 points total

Answer

1 point total

Answer

3 points total

Answer

4 points total

Question 6

Why does the MoCA include BOTH a forward and a backward digit span rather than just one?

Accepted Answer

Forward span tests auditory attention and registration; backward span additionally measures active working memory manipulation

Answer

To make the test longer and reduce administration fatigue

Answer

Both tasks measure identical cognitive functions and either one alone is insufficient

Answer

The backward span replaces the forward span when the examinee scores 0 on forward