How is memory assessed in the MoCA?

In the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) test, memory is specifically assessed through a delayed recall task. This task requires the individual to remember a list of words after a short period has passed, typically around five minutes. The delayed recall task is designed to evaluate the ability to retain and retrieve information after a brief interruption, which is a key aspect of memory function. This method effectively assesses the participant's short-term memory and is considered a reliable indicator of cognitive health.

Other methods of assessing memory, such as immediate recall of images or using games and puzzles, may evaluate different cognitive functions but do not specifically measure the type of memory tested in the MoCA. Similarly, multiple-choice questions do not provide the same insight into memory recall as the delayed task does, as they rely on recognition rather than active retrieval of previously learned information.