MoCA MoCA Digit Span (Forward and Backward) 5

Question 1

Digit span on the MoCA is administered how soon after the digits are read?

Accepted Answer

Immediately

Answer

Digit span requires immediate repetition, unlike delayed word recall.

Question 2

What is the main purpose of reading digits at a steady, even rate?

Accepted Answer

To standardize difficulty across patients

Answer

A consistent pace keeps administration standardized and avoids grouping cues.

Question 3

An examiner reads the forward digits in pairs (21-85-4). What is the problem?

Accepted Answer

It introduces chunking cues and violates standard administration

Answer

Grouping digits gives chunking cues and deviates from the one-per-second rule.

Question 4

A patient corrects their own forward response immediately: 2-1-8-4... no, 2-1-8-5-4. How is this typically handled?

Accepted Answer

Accept the final self-corrected response if given immediately

Answer

An immediate spontaneous self-correction is generally accepted as the final answer.

Question 5

Which condition could reduce digit span performance without reflecting true cognitive impairment?

Accepted Answer

Uncorrected hearing loss

Answer

Because digits are given auditorily, hearing problems can lower scores.

(MoCA) Montreal Cognitive Assessment Practice Test