The MOCA is one of my favorite assessments so far. Having done this example in class with a partner, I now understand the importance of such assessments. I really like how there are descriptive scaling information about the clients go inside with the numerical value that the client scores on the assessment. I like how Dr. grande reiterates what the test is supposed to pick up on or be good to use with. His instrument tells you a lot about the clients. This also helps me to understand how important it is to give correct instructions to our clients when we administer tests like this; a simple Misread of what the client needs to do for the next section of the assessment can really owns her the results, and thus cause scoring errors etc. Thanks Dr. Grande
This video provided a great breakdown of the MOCA. I wished I watched this video before we administered it in class to gain a deeper comprehension of the instrument. Great video!
This appears to be a fairly straight forward cognitive assessment and the video clearly demonstrated how to administer it. Dr. Grande did a great job explaining the instructions, which made it much easier to understand.
I really like the MoCA. This video was helpful in understanding each of the sections. I thought the optional recall section was interesting and wondered its purpose. Dr. Grande then explained it can help the clinician gather more info. that can assist in determining which type of memory disorder the client may have (i.e. retrieval failures or encoding failures).
I’m 78.. been retired for 18 years. The time of day and day of the week and even the month have almost no bearing on my life. I don’t wear a watch.. every day is alike so weekends aren’t special. If a cognitive test was planned, I’d have to make sure to be reminded of day and date
Knowing this was designed for mild cognitive dysfunction is helpful in understanding the different sections of the instrument and the function of this instrument.This was so unbelievably helpful because the instructions were rather difficult but seeing this explained out is different. The caveat about subtracting that Dr. Grande explained was not something I would not have thought about.
+Alicia Zahn I thought that was very interesting too. Such a simple looking test has difficult intructions. Dr. Grande did a good job explaining everything
This video was very detailed and I liked that because I felt it was explained well. I can see the differences between this and the MOCA that we did in class, and I think it is very important to be absolutely positive on how and when to administer. At first I thought this would be easy to administer, but watching this video and administering the other MOCA that we did in class, I can see how important it is to pay attention to detail and provide exact directions to the client.
Brittany PellegriniI totally agree that deviating from instructions or not paying close attention could skew results. This assessment seems really easy but to take out variation, you need to be consistent, which is not always as easy as it seems.
I think the instructions are easy to understand compared to other assessments. I liked how the video went through the assessment; it allows me to become more familiar with it before administering the assessment.
This video was very informative and easy to follow instruction wise on how to use this test instrument. I am glad I got to review this video before we administered the MOCA in class, that way I am more comfortable and confident in using it.
I agree with Robert, this video was easy to follow. It was also good to see Dr. Grande administer it in class and do role-play with us. It seems like an easy assessment, but the instructions are very detailed and the clinician must be consistent in the way he/she gives them. I like the MoCA: it is simple, clear and straight forward. Once the clinician is familiar with the instrument (any one of them) I think the assessment session flows more naturally. In class, there were long pauses because we are not familiar with them yet. It will come with practice.
I like that this video was extremely detailed and went through the instructions for the assessor with a fine tooth comb. I like this assessment tool because it seems as though it would be a quick tool to help determine if a client may have a cognitive disability. I know it is important to separate a cognitive disability from a mental disorder so that we can make accurate diagnoses and I think this tool would be very useful when trying to do this.
Julie, I agree with you that this assessment tool could help determine a client's cognitive disability. The one section that I liked was the delayed recalled and how the optional cues could help a client with memory. I also understood that a code failure would not help the client with their memory.
I too like this assessment tool for quick review of cognitive disorder. As usual Dr, Grande is very detailed with his review of test administration which I really appreciate!
This video was easy to follow because we performed this same type of test in class. In the delayed recall section, I understood why the optional section could be very important for the counselor. It gives the counselor more information about the type of memory disorder the client may have. I also understood that giving a client a cue could help them with their memory.
I like this assessment. It may look easy to administer however, in class I remember having difficulty following the written instructions. I wanted to follow those instructions to a tee and when I went off topic once, it was hard to get back on track. I also had trouble scoring the instrument in class and I think this video helped.
I really like this instrument. I think that it is very easy to use and score. I loved the through step by step guide this video gave. I would feel comfortable using this instrument with a client after watching this video.
+Mandy Moore I feel more comfortable administering this instrument after having watched this video, too! Easy to follow and straightforward. I definitely will be conscious of staying within the guidelines of what you can and cannot say - stick to the script!!
+Mandy Moore I agree this instrument seems easy to utilize and score, I am glad Dr. Grande gave us easy step by step instructions on how to administer and score this instrument.
I really appreciated the detailed explanation of the scoring of this instrument in the video. We did talk about this instrument in class and practiced administering it but I had trouble with scoring on the more detailed exercises. This video really helped clear that up for me.
Kendall Wilson Scoring is difficult. Especially because items such as the drawing section can be based off of your own judgement as the counselor. It leads me to question myself. This part of the video helped!
When I read the instructions for this, I was really overwhelmed! However, Dr. Grande broke it down really well. I still think there is a lot of detail to know for such a small assessment. This assessment definitely requires one to follow the directions closely to administer it properly.
+Rachel Foster Agreed, I was right there with you! The instructions are so detailed I feel like it actually complicates it to the point they are difficult to understand and follow. This video was extremely helpful in deciphering the instructions!
+Alicia Zahn I do feel like the instructions are complicated for the clinician to relay and the client to understand. Would be helpful if we could repeat or give clarification.
When I first observed this instrument, I was somewhat surprised because it seemed so basic. Then through observing it being administered I noticed that it was more complex than I originally had thought. I like that there are so many versions of this assessment in almost any language that you can think of. I like this assessment, I think that it could be very useful in many different settings with clients or even just to find more out about yourself.
Great layout for the video showing the actual assessment instead of just talking about it. This was very useful because the directions weren't totally clear.
When I first saw this I thought this was the one we did in class, but I'm glad Dr. Grande explained that they look similar but that the MMSE detects moderate-severe cognitive disfunction, and that the MOCA detects mild cognitive disfunction. I am always surprised that a simple looking exam has such a important role in determining a client's cognitive abilities. It seems that the similiest-looking tests tend to be extremly important
I feel like we'll be experts on administering certain mental status exams by the end of this course, but I did think of something new to consider while watching this video and that was because on your emphasis on not communicating the score until the end of the exam. That made me realize how purposeful it probably was that the drawing exercises were first because that would involve the client looking at the paper.
I have taken the MOCA assessment as well as the MMSE. I can understand why the MOCA is designed for mild cognitive dysfunction and the MMSE is designed for moderate to severe cognitive dysfunction. I currently use the MMSE primarily with elderly clients and/or clients with an AMS. I believe these assessments are straight forward and fairly easy to administer.
What if pt dont know clock, e.g. I had pt with low education from different county and never have used clock (asked family for time), do you know any other test?
I had this test done in the hospital about an hour after I received my morning medications. I was on strong pain medication along with a muscle relaxant and other medications. I end up in a sedated state so I wasn't in any condition to do this test. I passed the test but shouldn't have when it's to assess cognitive function.
This assessment seems pretty simple but it is interesting how many issues can come up, especially if the client throws a curve ball. This assessment is really easy to score if the client is answering almost every question correctly, but its surprising how easy things can get a little hard to judge.
wow this is an interesting and complex instrument but I think it's important to understand that someone's life can be altered from the results of this test so I can value the necessity to be precise in administering the questions and paying attention to both the instructions and the scoring.
Joe Biden had a Total Neurological exam,This includes this and MRI.Its part of their President Physical. All you have to do is Goggle it and you can read the whole Neurological exam.Nothing wrong with Joe Biden,he was Sick the night of the Debate.Trump had a need to Brag about his physical. You will never see Biden doing this.
i appreciate the detail used when describing this assessment. We have gone other this in class but this was more in depth. the stress placed on consistently administering all psychometric instuments is important and i can see why it is so vital. it was interesting to see this version,because we took the other version, 7.2 i believe, in class, so it was interesting to see how they differ. I appreciated the tips such as the reasons to score at the end (to avoid a client being discouraged)This is a very comprehensive video, and I feel comfortable that I could confidently administer this instrument following this video. I am glad the exception was mentioned with regard to the serial 7 recall. i wouldn't have realized that just from reading the directions. I think the hardest challenge for me would be to be mindful of small errors that i might now normally notice if said confidently and rapidly.
I am also glad the information about the exceptions for the sevens was included too. The same exception is used in the MMSE but I wasn't sure if it applied to the MoCA. I also agree that small errors might trip me up as well. One must be very attentive when adminstering assessments. It feels a little overwhelming when I think about all the things we should be noticing, but I guess with practice it will become more like second nature.
I appreciate Dr. G taking the time to explain the MOCA assessment. My partner administered this assessment to me in our first appraisal class. It was very complicated, and now watching this video, I understand why. Dr. G stressed sounding words correctly for the client to understand, and that is an area that I am going to struggle with especially with my accent, which is more obvious when I am saying certain words. I am also in awe with all the assessments that are used in the clinical field. I consider myself a novice in this area because the only assessments I have administered have mostly been MSE, which is a combination of information provided by the client during intake, and my observations. I would like to administer some more in depth and detailed ones that requires a response from the participant. I think that it would be an interesting experience. I will say calculating the scores for the MOCA is very complicated.
I didn't realize this measure was this complicated until this video. When we did it in class I thought it was straightforward, but this video was helpful in that it discussed the exact directions, importance in emphasizing certain things/standardization and also not adding words etc. You are soo right, there are soo many assessments out there right now. I have a similar background and have limited experience with administering instruments, only an MSE. I think my challenges with this instrument are to speak slowly (a struggle for me sometimes) and also the biggest thing for me is to notice the little mistakes/errors when clients say them confidently and rapidly i think its hard to catch the little mistakes.
Alexis Klair I agree Alexis. When we did it in class it seemed easier than from the explanation of the video. I did have a couple of moments that I had to really think about the answer when we did do it in class, so it is not as easy as you would think.
Alexis Klair I feel the same way! I was thinking how I would've grasped the application better if only i viewed this video prior to watching it be applied. Great video though.
I did a lil research on the MOCA since I used a version for the intake assessment. I feel I struggled with the administration of this assessment. You have to give the test precisely and I struggled with not giving feedback and encouragement while giving the assessment. I also think being familiar with the assessment helps with ease of administration.
I feel more familiar with this test then when we talked about in class.I appreciate the detail especially regarding scoring. My client and I administered this test in our intake interview. The test was not as simple as I thought as far as taking and grading. The cube for me was very difficult to draw as I have perception issues and yes I did feel slightly discouraged!
Hi Eva :) I agree that this is one of the tests that I feel familiar with too! I really think that taking the test in class helped me to become familiar with both administering and taking it.
One of my issues when giving assessments is trying to make the process more personable for the client. I need to practice avoiding this trap in order to stick with the guidelines.
The is a very detailed explaination of how to administer the MoCA. There were somethings in here that I didn't know for example the unacceptable answers to the abstract thinking section. I feel much more confident in adminstering this assessment after having watched this video. One question I would have would be when to decide to use the optional section of the delayed recall. I understand that it would give us as clinicians more information but I am not sure when we would do that, evertime or just some of the time?
Good point, Jess. I agree. I wish I would have watched this video first before trying to use it in class with a "client." I think I would now feel much more comfortable giving this assessment than I did before watching the video.
This instrument is interesting. Upon first glance, it appears to be somewhat elementary, until you actually dive into administering or being on the receiving end of this test. I would be curious to take this instrument as a client because I feel like scoring may be lower on this instrument in terms of intelligence than some of the other ones. Perhaps not though.
looks like an interesting test that can be challenging especially if you are not given proper instructions which means the administrator must be clear on the instructions.
The clinician needs to be attentive to the clients answers during this assessment and or any assessment. Being one word or number off can change the point value for that section. It is a good idea for the clinician to be familiar with the instrument before administering it.
+Sherrie Tilghman I absolutely agree with you here. When scoring this instrument if the administrator is not paying close attention to both the instructions and the client responses, the score outcome could be much different than the true score and thus the interpretation of the score could result in false implications about a client's cognitive capacity.
We went over this assessment in class and it seems to be cut and dry. I can see where individuals may get frustrated depending upon their skill level. I agree that the score should not be calculated until the end. If I was taking the test I would be bias if I saw my score in the first section and it would affect my attention in the other areas.
+Bethany Elstrom I agree the score should be calculated at the end. Knowing your score after each section may have a negative effect on the person and their answers and/or results of the remaining test.
+Bethany Elstrom I agree that the scoring should be done when the assessment is complete. I would not feel confident as the client if I saw low scores in the beginning of the assessment, which would definitely affect the scores throughout the rest of the assessment.
+Bethany Elstrom I would definitely not want to see my score during any portion of the test until the very end. That would definitely be extremely distracting!
These types of tests are bullshit and always have been. Lots of very intelligent people have poor memory function when it comes to lists of random words and numbers yet have deep insight into complex concepts or possess talents that others who can ace these types of tests don't. I for one can very accurately draw anything that I am shown and am very good at math and science, but am an absolutely terrible speller. I would come out cognitively impaired if I were to take this test, which I am not. I'm just bad at this particular type of test.
A client is asked in abstraction to name similarities between clock and ruler, but only one answer is accepted . I see may other flaws in these test questions.
