What should be considered when interpreting MoCA results for bilingual patients?

When interpreting MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) results for bilingual patients, language dominance and proficiency in the testing language are crucial factors to consider. This is because cognitive assessments are significantly influenced by the individual's language abilities. If a patient is more proficient in one language than the other, this can affect their performance on a test administered in their less dominant language. For example, a bilingual individual who is more fluent in their native language might not perform as well on the MoCA if tested in a second language, leading to potential underestimation of their cognitive abilities.

Language proficiency impacts not just the understanding of the test items but also the comfort level and cognitive engagement during the assessment. A bilingual person's cognitive profile is also shaped by their experiences in both languages, which may influence certain cognitive functions that the MoCA aims to evaluate, such as executive function, attention, and memory. Therefore, taking into account their language dominance and proficiency ensures a more accurate interpretation of the MoCA results, allowing for better clinical decisions and interventions.