Comparative study of diagnostic value of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and Mini–Mental state examination (MMSE) tests for assessment and cognitive impairments screening in patients with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is known as a risk factor for dementia and various degrees of cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to Comparative study of diagnostic value of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and Mini–Mental state examination (MMSE) tests for assessment and cognitive impairments screening in patients with metabolic syndrome.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 107 patients with metabolic syndrome. Cognitive impairment was examined by MoCA and MMSE tests.  Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software.

Mean score of MMSE and MoCa tests were 23.28 ± 2.66 and 22.06 ± 2.93, respectively. 84 patients (78.5%) had a MoCA test impairment (cognitive impairment). Based on the MMSE test, 66 patients (61.68%) had cognitive impairment. The sensitivity and specificity of the MMSE test were 73.81% and 82.61% respectively. MMSE diagnostic test with age (p=0.000, CC= -0.459), BMI (p = 0.000, CC = -0.338), FBS (p = 0.000, CC=-0.51), the levels of triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.000, CC = -0.56) and HDL (p = 0.000, CC = -0.54) were significantly correlated.

Cognitive impairment is noticeable in patients with metabolic syndrome and it seems that metabolic syndrome markers such as fasting blood glucose, triglyceride levelsand ets associated with cognitive impairment in these patients. MMSE test is a desirable sensitivity and specificity in evaluating cognitive impairment in patients with metabolic syndrome. However, because of the lack of studies in this field, are recommended for more comprehensive conclusions.