Which screening score indicates normal cognitive function when greater than 26?

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a widely accepted screening tool for assessing cognitive function. A score of greater than 26 on the MoCA indicates normal cognitive function, suggesting that the individual does not exhibit significant cognitive impairment. The MoCA is designed to evaluate various cognitive domains, such as memory, attention, language, visuospatial skills, and executive functions, and a higher score reflects better cognitive health.

This tool is often utilized in both clinical and research settings for early detection of cognitive decline, making it particularly relevant for populations at risk for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. It's specifically tailored to detect mild cognitive impairment, which can often go unnoticed in more general cognitive assessments.

In contrast, the other tools listed assess different aspects or levels of cognitive and emotional health. The Mini-Cog, for example, is a brief screening tool focused on cognitive impairment, while the Mini-Mental Status Exam primarily evaluates orientation and basic cognitive functions and does not have a cut-off score of 26. Meanwhile, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is designed for screening depression rather than cognitive function. Thus, the MoCA stands out in this context for its specific benchmark indicating normal cognitive performance.