CLINICAL CORRELATION OF MOCA AND TAU IMAGING

• Published in: Innovation in aging Vol. 7; no. Supplement_1; p. 1004
• Main Authors: Sunil, Surya, Nair, Malini, Byrne, Nicole, Rodriguez, Adriana, Nair, Anil K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 21.12.2023
• Subjects: Cognitive ability; Late Breaking Abstracts; Memory
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad104.3228

Abstract Background Tau-PET Scan measures brain tau deposition. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) is used for cognitive impairment in (MCI) and Alzheimer Disease (AD). We analyzed the correlation of MOCA to tau-PET imaging in a memory clinic. Hypothesis Tau-PET positivity correlates with lower MOCA scores in memory clinic patients Objectives To assess the correlation of tau-PET positivity to MOCA test scores in memory clinic patients To evaluate an MOCA score cut-off that translates optimally to tau-PET positivity Method Retrospective observational chart review study of 34 patients attending a memory clinic in Boston, MA, with MOCA score and tau-PET scan included for analysis No stratification based on initial or final diagnosis, severity of cognitive impairment, or tracer used. Baseline MOCA and a binary PET scan result were analyzed with covariates age, sex and race. Analysis done on ‘R’ v. 2.4.0. Pearson correlation estimated MOCA score to tau-PET status. Kruskal Wallis/Chi square tests for relationship of age, sex, gender and education with MOCA score and tau-PET status. ROC analyses and sensitivity/specificity were obtained. Results Tau PET positivity did not correlate significantly with MOCA score (r= -0.24, 95%CI –0.54 to -0.12, p=0.19). A cut point of 22 on the MOCA estimated tau deposition in the brain by PET scan, with an AUC of 80%, 95% CI –0.6 to –0.99, possibly indicating a ceiling effect on the MOCA. Conclusion Tau PET does not correlate with MOCA scores, possibly due to a ceiling effect in the mild impairment subjects.