Developing Normative Data for MoCA Test Scoring Ratio or Interval via Videoconference in Quebec-French Individuals Aged 50 and Over

The ongoing stay-at-home and social distancing measures implemented to control virus transmission have inadvertently reduced in-person health services, including neuropsychological and cognitive assessments. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare professionals to rapidly develop and implement telepractice and remote assessments, highlighting the need for normative data that can be used in these settings.

This study aimed to provide normative data for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) administered via videoconference in Quebec-French individuals aged 50 years and over. A total of 230 community-dwelling adults participated in clinical trials and completed the MoCA test remotely. The results showed that older age and lower education were significant predictors of poorer total MoCA scores, with a medium effect size (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.17).

The study also proposed a regression equation to calculate Z-scores for clinicians, which can be used to interpret MoCA test results in patients located in remote areas or those who are unable to attend in-person assessments due to the pandemic. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of developing normative data that consider sociodemographic characteristics, particularly in the context of videoconference administration.

In conclusion, this study provides essential normative data for MoCA test scoring ratio or interval via videoconference in Quebec-French individuals aged 50 years and over. This will enable clinicians to continue performing cognitive assessments remotely during the pandemic period and beyond, while also allowing them to assess patients located in remote areas. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic characteristics when developing normative data for remote assessments.

Moca test scoring ratio or interval