The Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Normative Data from a Large, Population-Based Sample of Cognitive Healthy Older Adults in Norway-The HUNT Study

Abstract

Background: Several studies have found that normative scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) vary depending on the person's education and age. The evidence for different normative scores between sexes is poor.

Objective: The main aim of the study was to determine normative scores on the MoCA for Norwegian older adults stratified by educational level, age, and sex. In addition, we aimed to explore sex differences in greater detail.

Methods: From two population-based studies in Norway, we included 4,780 people age 70 years and older. People with a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, a history of stroke, and depression were excluded. Trained health personnel tested the participants with the MoCA.

Results: The mean MoCA score varied between 22 and 27 and was highest among women 70-74 years with education >13 years and lowest among men age 85 and older with education ≤10 years. Education, age, and sex were significant predictors of MoCA scores.

Conclusion: In the present study of cognitively healthy Norwegian adults 70 years and older, we found that the normative score on the MoCA varied between 22 and 27 depending on a person's education, age, and sex. We suggest that normative scores should be determined taking these three variables into consideration.

Keywords: Cognition; montreal cognitive assessment; normative scores; older adults; sex differences.