Which test is the chosen method for assessing major neurocognitive disorders?

• A. MoCA
• B. Clock drawing test
• C. MMSE
• D. Neuropsychological battery

Answer: (C)

Assessing major neurocognitive disorder hinges on measuring and characterizing deficits across multiple cognitive domains and determining how they impact daily functioning. A neuropsychological battery is designed for this purpose, administering a range of standardized tests that evaluate memory, attention, language, executive function, visuospatial skills, and processing speed. This broad, systematic approach provides a detailed cognitive profile and helps establish whether impairment is sufficient in scope and severity to meet criteria for a major neurocognitive disorder, as well as suggesting possible underlying etiologies.

Brief screening tools like the MMSE can miss domain-specific weaknesses (especially executive function) and are less sensitive to early or impacted patterns of decline. The MoCA improves sensitivity for milder impairment but still isn’t as comprehensive as a full battery. The clock drawing test is a quick screen focused mainly on visuospatial/constructive ability and cannot substitute for a full evaluation. In short, a neuropsychological battery offers the depth and breadth needed to diagnose and characterize major neurocognitive disorder.