How is “deferred recall” assessed in the MoCA?

In the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), “deferred recall” is assessed by asking the individual to recall previously presented words after a delay. This task is designed to measure memory capability, specifically the ability to retain and recollect information after a given interval. The words presented earlier in the test serve as the target items for recall; by timing the recall after some distraction or delay, the assessment can effectively evaluate both working memory and long-term memory functions.

This kind of assessment is crucial in identifying cognitive impairments, as it engages the participant's ability to hold information in memory and retrieve it later, which is a fundamental aspect of cognitive functioning.