The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) as a screening tool for cognitive dysfunction in fibromyalgia, 2022, Elkana et al

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
Cognitive dysfunction is one of the criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) and is typically based on self-report questionnaires such as the Symptom Severity Scale. However, recent studies have shown that there is no correlation between these subjective measures of cognitive dysfunction and more lengthy objective measures of cognitive functioning. This points to the need for a briefer valid evaluation tool for cognitive dysfunction in FM. The aim of this study is to examine whether the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test is a valid measure of cognitive assessment in FM patients, by comparing it to a comprehensive computerised cognitive assessment battery.

METHODS:
Sixty-two FM patients (55 women, 7 men, mean age = 46.17 years, sd=12.56) were administered the MoCA and a computerised cognitive assessment battery. FM symptoms were assessed on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2). Patient effort was controlled on the TOMM (Test of Memory Malingering).

RESULTS:
Moderate positive correlations were found between the MoCA and the computerised cognitive scores as follows: Global Cognitive Score (r=0.493**, p=0.00), Memory Index Score (r= 0.384**, p=0.002), Executive Function Index Score (r=0.461**, p=0.00), Attention Index Score (r=0.310*, p=0.016), Information Processing Speed Index Score (r=0.435**, p=0.001), and Motor Skills (r=0.406**, p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS:
The MoCA is an acceptable cognitive screening test for the cognitive evaluation of FM patients.

Open access, https://www.clinexprheumatol.org/abstract.asp?a=18048

 

Oddly enough, when calibrating inadequate instruments with one another in haphazard fashion, the result is whatever. Basically comparing apples and bellows.

This is obviously not a suitable test for brain fog, and only someone who knows nothing about brain fog would even consider otherwise.