Background: Cognitive status has been reported to be an important predictor of rehabilitation outcome. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was designed to overcome some of the limitations of established cognitive screening tools such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the MoCA as a screening tool in a geriatric rehabilitation program and its ability to predict rehabilitation outcome. Methods: Forty-seven geriatric rehabilitation program patients participated in the study. Assessments of each patient's functional (Functional Independence Measure) and cognitive status (MMSE and MoCA) were performed. Information on discharge destinations were obtained and rehabilitation efficacy and efficiency scores were calculated. Results: Significant correlations were found between the MoCA and other cognitive status measures. Cognitive status at admission and successful rehabilitation were also associated. Defining rehabilitation success on the basis of relative functional efficacy (an indicator that includes the patient's potential for improvement), the sensitivity and specificity of the MoCA were 80% and 30% respectively. The attention subscale of the MoCA was also uniquely predictive of rehabilitation success. The attention subscale (cutoff 5/6) of the MoCA had a sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 90%, as did the MMSE. Conclusions: As a cognitive screening tool, the MoCA appears to have acceptable psychometric properties. Results suggest that the MoCA can have a considerable advantage over the MMSE in sensitivity and equivalence in specificity using both total and attention scale scores. The MoCA may be a more useful measure for detecting cognitive impairment and predicting rehabilitation outcome in this population.

Background/Objectives: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition between normal aging and dementia, is characterized by cognitive changes that do not significantly affect instrumental activities of daily living. The Memory Support System (MSS), an evidence-based behavioral intervention developed by the Mayo Clinic, has been shown to aid those living with MCI and their support partners in coping with cognitive challenges. However, the MSS has not been offered clinically within the Canadian context. Therefore, we conducted a study assessing the feasibility of the MSS from the perspectives of individuals living with MCI and their support partners. Methods: Participants from an institutional registry of research participants, patients, and support partners at a memory clinic, as well as members of a local Dementia Society, were approached to complete an online or paper version of a survey assessing feasibility dimensions. Responses were compared between and within groups for differences in mean scores and associations between linked binary choice response questions. Results: A total of 77 responses were received; 39 surveys were completed by participants with MCI, and 38 by support partners. Respondents found the MSS to be acceptable and practical. On average, participants thought it would be more difficult to train in using the MSS than support partners. Both groups expressed interest in the intervention. On average, participants with MCI and support partners preferred virtual MSS training to in-person and indicated more interest in participating in training over six weeks as compared to two weeks. Conclusions: Flexibility in duration and format when offering the MSS are important considerations when offering the intervention as part of a clinical program. Future research should evaluate cost-effectiveness (e.g., financial, staff resources, etc.) of the MSS approach if it were to be institutionalized in the Ontario healthcare system.