Biomarker
MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
Last updated 2026-05-30· 1 min read· Evidence: observational
Reviewed by the Ultimate Longevity Bible editorial team. Educational reference — not medical advice. See disclaimer.
Observational— Validated screening tool; not diagnostic
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What it tests
MoCA briefly samples eight cognitive domains. It is more sensitive than the older MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) for detecting mild cognitive impairment, which is the actionable pre-dementia stage.
Score interpretation
- 26–30: normal range.
- 18–25: mild cognitive impairment likely.
- 10–17: moderate cognitive impairment.
- <10: severe.
Add 1 point for education ≤12 years (the validated correction).
Use cases
- Baseline cognitive assessment in midlife.
- Screening symptomatic patients.
- Serial tracking after concussion / stroke.
- Pre-operative assessment in elderly.
- Tracking response to dementia interventions.
Caveats
- Not diagnostic on its own; abnormal screen leads to further evaluation.
- Education, language, and cultural factors affect scores.
- Practice effects on serial testing — alternate versions exist.
- Free for clinical use after MoCA-certified training; commercial versions exist.
- Klotho (Serum) — Biomarker.
- Best Preventive Screening and Imaging by Decade — Best-of guide.
- Best Biomarkers to Track in Your 40s — Best-of guide.
- Best High-Leverage Tests for Longevity — Best-of guide.
- Ezra (Whole-Body MRI) — Clinic.
Related entries
References
- Nasreddine, Z. S. et al. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA: a brief screening tool for mild cognitive impairment. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 53, 695–699 (2005).