Article

The purpose of this study is to examine the performance of a shortened
version of the MoCA (miniMoCA), as a clinical cognitive impairment screening tool
in stroke rehabilitation patients. METHODS: Cognitive status was assessed using
the MoCA and Cognistat in 72 patients. Agreement between the tests was assessed
using the Kappa statistic. The sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and
negative predictive values (NPV) of a miniMoCA to a MoCA score <26 was also
examined. RESULTS: A significant level of agreement was found between the MoCA
and miniMoCA to the Cognistat in classifying patients by level of cognitive
function. The miniMoCA showed a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 92% (PPV
98%, NPV 75%) to abnormal MoCA scores (<26). CONCLUSIONS: This study extends the
utility of the miniMoCA as an optimal brief screening tool for cognitive
impairment in stroke patients. Further research is needed to determine the
validity of the miniMoCA against a neuropsychological test. Implications for
Rehabilitation Although the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a recommended
tool to screen for cognitive impairment in stroke patients, its lengthy
administration can lead to inconsistent screening of patients for post-stroke
cognitive function. In the current work, a shortened version of the MoCA
(miniMoCA) was administered in a sample of stoke inpatients, utilizing only five
of the eight original subtests. The proposed miniMoCA was found to streamline the
administration of this screen test, while maintaining a heightened level of
sensitivity for accurately identifying which patients do not require a more
in-depth cognitive assessment.

Langue : ANGLAIS