What does a lower score in the MoCA typically indicate?

A lower score in the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) typically indicates possible cognitive impairment. The MoCA is designed to assess a range of cognitive functions including memory, attention, language, and executive functions. A lower score suggests that the individual may have challenges in one or more of these areas, potentially pointing towards conditions such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Cognitive assessments like the MoCA are used to screen for various forms of cognitive decline, and the scores provide a numeric representation of cognitive performance. Higher scores generally correlate with better cognitive function, while scores below a certain threshold may signal the need for further evaluation or monitoring. Therefore, a lower score is primarily interpreted as an indication of potential cognitive issues that warrant closer observation or follow-up assessment.