Predictive Value of the MoCA-T for Early Detection of MCI and Dementia in Taiwanese Older Adults

Abstract

This study delves into the relationship among MoCA-T scores, age, education level, and subtest performance. In this research, moderate correlations between MoCA-T scores and both age and education level are illuminated, and regression equations that serve as predictive tools for MoCA-T scores are further developed. Also, the study stratifies subjects into three distinct subgroups based on their MoCA-T scores, and subtests are categorized according to their score distribution within these subgroups. The implications of this study extend to the proposal of a cognitive hierarchy of dementia model, which outlines the course of dementia. This model underscores the potential utility of cognitive assessments, particularly in the realms of memory and language performance, for early detection. Ultimately, this research offers insights into the intricate connections between individual backgrounds, cognitive capabilities, and dementia, which stands poised to serve as a guide for the timely diagnosis of dementia in its early stages.