Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 22, 2026

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
10:38

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

Published on: July 16, 2015

14.1K

Identifying an Optimal Cutoff of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to Predict Amyloid-PET Positivity in a Referral

Anil K Nair1, Srinath Ramaswamy, Krystal Kan

  • 1Alzheimer Disease Center, Quincy, MA.

Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders
|July 16, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Brain amyloid-PET scans are linked to lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. A MoCA cutoff of 20 offers better accuracy for predicting amyloid-PET positivity in dementia patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Brain amyloid-PET imaging is a sensitive diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease.
  • The relationship between amyloid-PET status and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) requires further investigation.
  • Optimizing the clinical application of amyloid-PET imaging is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between amyloid-PET scan results and MoCA scores.
  • To determine an optimal MoCA score cutoff for predicting amyloid-PET positivity.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of patients with amyloid-PET scans and MoCA scores (2010-2017).
  • Analysis of the relationship between amyloid-PET status and MoCA scores, considering age, sex, education, and race.
  • Estimation of a MoCA score cutoff for predicting amyloid-PET positivity.

Main Results:

  • Amyloid-PET positivity correlated significantly with lower MoCA scores (median=19, P=0.01).
  • A MoCA cutoff of 25 (for MCI) showed suboptimal prediction of amyloid-PET positivity (sensitivity 94.6%, specificity 13.9%).
  • A MoCA cutoff of 20 demonstrated improved prediction (sensitivity 64.2%, specificity 67.4%).

Conclusions:

  • Lower MoCA scores are associated with amyloid-PET positivity.
  • The standard MoCA cutoff for minimal cognitive impairment may limit the clinical utility of amyloid-PET scans.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice13:34

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Published on: June 4, 2020

8.8K
Shuttle Box Assay as an Associative Learning Tool for Cognitive Assessment in Learning and Memory Studies using Adult Zebrafish08:35

Shuttle Box Assay as an Associative Learning Tool for Cognitive Assessment in Learning and Memory Studies using Adult Zebrafish

Published on: July 12, 2021

4.9K

Related Concept Videos

Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins.  Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils. 
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen.   In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
11.7K
Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

6.4K
Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device01:30

Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device

Surveyors use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to measure the precise location and elevation of points on Earth. In a recent survey, GPS receivers were used to determine the coordinates and elevations of two park monuments. The process involved careful mission planning, data collection, and correction to ensure accuracy. The survey began with mission planning to identify optimal satellite visibility and minimize Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). A geodetic control point...
388
Cognitive Dissonance01:38

Cognitive Dissonance

Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
36.8K
Predicting Molecular Geometry02:27

Predicting Molecular Geometry

VSEPR Theory for Determination of Electron Pair Geometries
45.5K
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment01:29

Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment

Angina manifests as chest pain, tightness, or squeezing discomfort typically located behind the breastbone. It can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and inner aspects of the upper arms, most commonly the left arm. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, profuse sweating, dizziness, indigestion, heartburn, palpitations, anxiety, and vomiting as accompanying symptoms. This pain often lasts a few minutes and is triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, heavy meals, or cold...
208