MoCA Abstract Thinking 4

Question 1

Education level can affect MoCA abstraction scores. How does the MoCA account for this?

Accepted Answer

One bonus point is added for ≤12 years of education

Answer

A separate normative table is used per grade

Answer

The abstraction subtest is omitted for low-education patients

Answer

No adjustment is made

Question 2

Which dementia type characteristically shows EARLY and severe deterioration on abstract thinking tasks like MoCA abstraction?

Accepted Answer

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

Answer

Vascular dementia with posterior lesions only

Answer

Lewy body dementia (DLB) with visual hallucinations only

Answer

Wernicke's encephalopathy

Question 3

A patient correctly answers the train/bicycle pair but gives a concrete answer for watch/ruler. Their abstraction score is:

Accepted Answer

1 out of 2

Answer

0 out of 2

Answer

2 out of 2

Answer

Unscored

Question 4

During MoCA administration, in what order are the two abstraction pairs typically presented?

Accepted Answer

Train/bicycle first, then watch/ruler

Answer

Watch/ruler first, then train/bicycle

Answer

Order is randomized per patient

Answer

Only one pair is given unless the first is wrong

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a CORRECT abstract response to 'how are a train and bicycle alike?'

Accepted Answer

Both are modes of transportation

Answer

Both have wheels

Answer

Both make noise

Answer

Both require a driver

Question 6

If a patient refuses to attempt the abstraction task due to anxiety, how should the examiner score it?

Accepted Answer

Score 0 for each unattempted pair

Answer

Give full credit to avoid upsetting the patient

Answer

Skip and do not count it in the total

Answer

Administer a different pair instead

Question 7

Which answer best explains WHY the MoCA uses the specific pair 'watch and ruler' for abstraction?

Accepted Answer

They are both common household objects with a shared measurement function

Answer

They are both electronic devices

Answer

They are chosen for their visual similarity

Answer

They represent left and right hemisphere processing