A-233 Incremental Utility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Memory Index Score (MIS) for Detection of Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Abstract Objective To investigate the incremental utility of the optional MoCA Memory Index Score (MIS) for detection of cognitive impairment. Method This cross-sectional study utilized data collected from a mixed clinical sample of 153 veterans referred for clinical neuropsychological evaluations at a VA hospital. The sample was 87% male (n = 133), with an average age of 63.23 years (range 20–91) and average education level of 13.6 years (range 6–20). All participants completed the MoCA, including the MIS items. Participants meeting criteria for mild (n = 66) or major neurocognitive disorder (n = 24) were classified as cognitively impaired (CI). Sixty-three participants who did not meet criteria for a neurocognitive disorder were classified as having no cognitive impairment (NCI). Chi square analysis and logistic regression were utilized to determine the sensitivity of the MoCA total score for detection of cognitive impairment, and to determine whether the MIS significantly improved classification accuracy. Results The MoCA total score was a significant predictor of cognitive impairment status (X2 = 40.92, p < .001), with 73% sensitivity, 67% specificity, and 71% classification accuracy. When the MIS was added, the model retained significance (X2 = 41.13, p < .001), but overall sensitivity, specificity, and classification accuracy were unchanged; MIS was not a significant predictor in the combined model. Conclusions The optional MIS score did not significantly improve the sensitivity of the MoCA for detection of cognitive impairment.