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Published on: January 11, 2020
A Scoping Review of Clinical Utility from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Memory Index Score
Oscar R Kronenberger1, Alyssa N Kaser1, Jeff Schaffert1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Abstract:
ObjectiveThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Memory Index Score (MIS) is a supplemental assessment of memory composed of word list delayed free-recall followed by step-down category cued- and multiple-choice cued-recall. This paper reviews the MIS literature within Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative dementias to synthesize evidence regarding its clinical utility, identify gaps, and inform future research directions.MethodWe searched electronic databases of OVID Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed from 2014, when the MIS was first described, to July 2025. Peer-reviewed studies that reported data on the diagnostic or prognostic utility of the MIS in assessing neurodegenerative dementia populations were included.ResultsWe screened 278 articles, and 14 were included in the review. The current literature includes limited reporting on the diagnostic or prognostic utility of the MIS and is characterized by minimal diversity of samples and non-rigorous validation methods. Initial findings are promising and suggestive of incremental validity over the MoCA total score for identifying episodic memory impairment and therefore aiding in differentiation of suspected dementia etiology. However, evidence is insubstantial for the MIS as a tool for predicting progression and additional research is needed to evaluate the incremental validity of the MIS over the conventional MoCA five-word recall score.ConclusionsLarge literature gaps exist regarding the clinical utility of the MIS within neurodegenerative dementias. Additional research exploring the psychometric properties of the MIS using diverse samples with rigorous validation methods is needed to better inform its application.
Insights
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Memory Index Score (MIS) shows promise for detecting memory issues in dementia. However, more research is needed to confirm its clinical utility and predictive power in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Memory Index Score (MIS) is a supplemental memory assessment.
- It involves delayed free-recall, category cued-recall, and multiple-choice cued-recall.
- This review focuses on the MIS within Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative dementias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence on the clinical utility of the MIS in neurodegenerative dementias.
- To identify gaps in the current literature regarding the MIS.
- To inform future research directions for the MIS.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in OVID Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed from 2014 to July 2025.
- Peer-reviewed studies evaluating the diagnostic or prognostic utility of the MIS in neurodegenerative dementia populations were included.
- A total of 278 articles were screened, with 14 studies ultimately included in the review.
Main Results:
- The current literature on the MIS is limited, with minimal sample diversity and non-rigorous validation methods.
- Initial findings suggest the MIS may offer incremental validity over the MoCA total score for identifying episodic memory impairment.
- Evidence for the MIS in predicting dementia progression is currently insubstantial.
Conclusions:
- Significant literature gaps exist concerning the clinical utility of the MIS in neurodegenerative dementias.
- Further research is required to rigorously validate the MIS using diverse samples.
- Additional studies are needed to evaluate the MIS's incremental validity over conventional MoCA memory assessments.
