MoCA Word Recall 3

Question 1

Why does the MoCA use five words rather than a shorter or longer list?

Accepted Answer

Because 5 provides optimal sensitivity to mild encoding deficits within a brief testing format

Answer

Five words provides a list length that is sensitive to mild encoding deficits (too short a list is too easy; too long would overwhelm attention). It mirrors standard clinical word list tests while keeping administration brief.

Question 2

The MoCA word recall section most specifically taxes which memory system?

Accepted Answer

Episodic memory

Answer

Encoding five unrelated words across two trials and recalling them after a 5-minute delay primarily taxes episodic memory — the system for new learning and recall of personally experienced events.

Question 3

During the second immediate recall trial of the MoCA word list, the examiner should:

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient to recall the words again without any feedback

Answer

The examiner simply asks the patient to recall the words again. No feedback is given about whether words from the first trial were correct. The examiner records what is said but does not score either trial.

Question 4

How does the MoCA word recall task distinguish patients with MCI from those with normal cognition?

Accepted Answer

MCI patients show fewer words recalled and more forgetting over the 5-minute delay

Answer

Patients with MCI, particularly amnestic MCI, typically recall fewer words immediately and show greater forgetting over the 5-minute delay compared to cognitively normal peers, making delayed recall the most discriminating marker.

Question 5

On the MoCA, what instruction is given to the patient before the word list is read for the first time?

Accepted Answer

"I am going to read a list of words — remember as many as you can now and later on"

Answer

The patient is told: "This is a memory test. I am going to read a list of words that you will have to remember now and later on." This pre-task instruction ensures the patient knows to attend to and retain the words.

(MoCA) Montreal Cognitive Assessment Practice Test

(MoCA) Montreal Cognitive Assessment Practice Test

MoCA Word Recall 3