Normative study of the Taiwanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in community-dwelling individuals in Taiwan.
Journal
Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
Journal Volume
88
Journal Issue
8
Start Page
617
End Page
623
ISSN
1728-7731
Date Issued
2025-08-01
Author(s)
Cheng, Yu-Hsiang
Chen, Yen-Ching
Chen, Jen-Hau
Yu, Rwei-Ling
Lee, Wei-Ju
Hsu, Jung-Lung
Chen, Cheng-Sheng
Fuh, Jong-Ling
Abstract
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) may not be appropriately interpreted in Taiwan because of the lack of large-scale normative data. Moreover, examinees' demographic characteristics may influence their MoCA scores. However, previous studies have not adequately adjusted for these effects. This study aimed to use regression-based methods to establish demographically adjusted MoCA norms. Methods: Participants were recruited from six hospitals and neighboring communities from all geographic areas of Taiwan. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to quantify the effects of age, education, and sex on MoCA total and domain scores, resulting in correction equations and adjusted cutoff scores. Results: A total of 2310 cognitively healthy participants were included in the analysis. Age and education significantly affected the total and all domain scores. Sex affected naming, language, and abstract thinking domain scores. Correction equations and corresponding cutoffs were proposed for MoCA total and domain scores to support more precise clinical interpretations. Conclusion: This study provides regression-adjusted norms for the MoCA, improving its accuracy and clinical utility in Taiwan. An adjusted total MoCA score of 23 points is recommended as the cutoff for identifying potential cognitive impairment, with domain-specific cutoffs further supporting individualized interpretation.
Subjects
Comprehensive cognitive abilities
Demographic variables
Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Neuropsychological assessment
Normative data
SDGs
Type
journal article