Pre- training on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA)

This is simple. Just download a copy of the Test from the website and print it. Then download a copy of the Instructions, and print them too.

If you can't figure this out, it means you have mild cognitive impairment.

Just kidding. I had trouble the first time. When you click on "Test", use the one that says "English (Original)".

Once you have both the Test and the Instructions, find a friend or S.O. and practice giving the test at least once before you work with our neuropsychologist Dr. Robert Fallows. This should be quite interesting and amusing!

Here are the clinic policies:

NEUROPSYCHOLOGY CLINIC

Clinic Observation

Welcome to the Neuropsychology Service. It is our pleasure to provide you an opportunity to observe our routine clinical practices. We hope you will gain a greater understanding of our typical evaluation procedures and the types of patients that may benefit from neuropsychological services.

A neuropsychological evaluation usually involves a clinical interview and anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours of cognitive and psychological testing. Although most patients tolerate the testing session without difficulty, some may find testing stressful or anxiety provoking. Therefore, it is very important to provide a quiet, comfortable testing atmosphere. In addition, test administration must be done in a standardized way to obtain accurate results. Therefore, to ensure optimal conditions for the testing situation, the following policies for observation were implemented:

  • The examiner conducting the evaluation will introduce you to the patient and obtain the patient’s permission for you to observe evaluation procedures.
  • Turn off or silence cell phones and pagers prior to the session.
  • No food is allowed.
  • Once evaluation procedures have begun, you are expected to remain in the room until the examiner takes a break. If you know ahead of time that you will need to leave at a certain time, please inform the examiner and he or she will take a break at the appropriate time.
  • It is critical that you remain as unobtrusive as possible. It is important that you do not try to help the patient in any way and that you maintain an emotionally neutral demeanor.
  • The examiner will conduct the interview in his or her usual manner. He or she may allow you to ask questions of the patient after the interview is conducted; please do not interrupt or interject questions or comments.
  • You will be provided test protocols so you may follow along during the procedures. Please do not write on these protocols. These protocols are copyrighted so you must return all materials to the examiner at the end of the session. If you would like to look at these materials at another time, you may set up an appointment.
  • If appropriate to the case, you will be asked to administer the MOCA as part of your training and development. You will be provided with this prior to the day of the evaluation and it is expected that you will have read it and be reasonably comfortable with the procedures of the measure.
  • We strongly encourage discussion and questions about the case. However, please hold all questions and comments until after the session is over and the patient has left the room.