New MoCA Smartphone App Enables Users to Self-Assess Their Cognitive Function

The creators of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test have announced the release of a new application, XpressO by MoCA (MoCA Cognition, Montreal, Canada) for use in the United States by the general population. XpressO by MoCA is an assessment tool designed to provide a user-friendly and accessible option for self-evaluation of cognitive function. The application is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool; users should present their results to a health care provider for further evaluation. 

XpressO by MoCA is available for smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. The test consists of 3 trials, each involving logical puzzles, memorization tasks, and activities that require the user to place objects within a grid. After a user completes the assessment, the app provides a score that corresponds to the MoCA test. Based on this score, the app either prompts the user to visit a clinician or congratulates the user for their performance. XpressO by MoCa was designed to raise awareness, encouraging users to seek clinical assessment to potentially receive a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a requirement for some of the Alzheimer disease (AD) medications that have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Early detection permits earlier intervention that saves major healthcare costs and improves patient outcomes,” said Ziad Nasreddine, MD, FRCPC, CEO of MoCA Cognition. “Demand for cognitive testing is growing, both among seniors with normal brain health and with impairment. XpressO was conceived to provide peace of mind to the 'worried well' and motivation to consult with a physician for others.”