What type of questions are included in the MoCA’s “orientation” sub-score?

The "orientation" sub-score of the MoCA consists of questions that assess an individual's awareness of their current situation, specifically focusing on time and place. This includes inquiries about the current date, the month, and the specific location where the assessment is taking place. This aspect of the test is designed to evaluate cognitive function related to an individual's ability to orient themselves in the environment and timeline, which is a key component of overall cognitive assessment.

Questions regarding personal history or previous medical history, while they may be relevant in other contexts, do not focus on real-time situational awareness. Similarly, questions about the emotional state pertain more to psychological evaluation rather than orientation in terms of time and location. Thus, the correct answer directly targets the individual's current cognitive orientation.