Rating scales: MoCA: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Rating scales: MoCA

Sample item

Compared with the MMSE, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is more sensitive for detecting:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Mild cognitive impairment and executive dysfunction

The MoCA includes tests of executive function, visuospatial skills and delayed recall, and is more sensitive for mild cognitive impairment than the MMSE. A score below 26 out of 30 suggests impairment.

Option by option

  • A. Anxiety

    MoCA does not assess anxiety.

  • B. Delusions

    MoCA does not assess delusions.

  • C. Mild cognitive impairment and executive dysfunction (correct)

    Correct. It is more sensitive for mild impairment.

  • D. Severe dementia

    Severe dementia is detectable by both but is not the advantage.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Mild cognitive impairment and executive dysfunction. The MoCA includes tests of executive function, visuospatial skills and delayed recall, and is more sensitive for mild cognitive impairment than the MMSE.

Why is "Anxiety" not the answer?

MoCA does not assess anxiety.

Why is "Delusions" not the answer?

MoCA does not assess delusions.

Why is "Severe dementia" not the answer?

Severe dementia is detectable by both but is not the advantage.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Rating scales: MoCA in Psychiatry. A score below 26 out of 30 suggests impairment.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Rating scales: MoCA?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.