Normative Data of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in Tamil-Speaking Adults

Context: Cognitive evaluation to determine possible cognitive decline highlights the need for a thorough neuropsychological assessment for early detection. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), is a commonly used screening tool that is comparatively quick and simple to administer, score, and interpret. Subtests of MoCA assess memory, language, visuospatial functions, and executive functions. Aims: The present study aims to generate normative data for the Tamil version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-TAM) in Tamil-speaking adults. Design and Settings: Cross-sectional study conducted in three districts of Tamil Nadu. Methods and Material: A total of 450 healthy Tamil native speakers with varying ages (21-80 years) and education levels (primary level to university) were recruited as participants. The Tamil version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-TAM) was used for assessing the cognitive domains. Scores were analyzed to see the impact of age, gender, and years of education on MoCA-TAM scores and individual cognitive domains. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics and Regression analyses were done to evaluate the mean, standard deviation, impact of age, gender, and education on MoCA-TAM scores and individual cognitive domains. Results: The mean value for MoCA-TAM was 24.89 with SD 2.944. MoCA-TAM scores were lower with increasing age and lower education and no statistically significant relationship was found between gender and MoCA-TAM score. Conclusions: The present study provides the normative data of MoCA-TAM with a single cut-off score (22) to differentiate normal from cognitively impaired.