# Comparative Analysis of MoCA and DigiMoCA Test Results: A Pilot Study
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Measures  
MoCA [19] is a test designed to assess cognitive function in older adults. It evaluates various cognitive domains including attention, memory, language, visuospatial abilities, executive functions, and orientation by means of a series of tasks and questions that are completed in approximately 10-15 min, with a maximum score of 30 points. A score of 26 or above is generally considered normal cognitive performance, while lower scores may indicate cognitive impairment. The MoCA is valued for its sensitivity in detecting early cognitive decline and is used in both clinical settings and research to assess cognitive function in older adults and those suspected of having cognitive deficits. It is available in multiple languages and has been validated across diverse populations, making it a versatile and reliable tool for cognitive assessment.  
The GDS-15 [20] (Geriatric Depression Scale) is a scale used to detect symptoms of depression in older adults. This 15-item questionnaire simplifies the original 30-item scale while maintaining its effectiveness. Each item is answered with a simple _yes_ or _no_, reflecting the respondent's feelings over the past week. The total score ranges from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. A score of 5 or more typically suggests the presence of depression, warranting further evaluation. The GDS-15 is valued for its ease of use, quick administration time, and suitability for individuals with cognitive impairments, making it a widely used tool in both clinical and research settings to assess depression in the elderly.  
Lawton & Brody's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [21] is a scale used to assess functional independence in activities of daily living in older adults. It assesses eight domains, namely, using the telephone, shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication management, and handling finances. Each activity is scored based on the level of assistance required, ranging from complete independence to complete dependence, with higher scores indicating greater independence. This scale is widely used in both clinical and research settings to assess the functional capabilities of elderly individuals, identify those in need of assistance, and plan appropriate interventions to support independent living.  
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT [22]) is an assessment instrument utilised to measure visuospatial and executive abilities. A scoring scale is used that assigns a maximum of 2 points for the accuracy in drawing a clock dial; 4 points for the correct placement of numbered hour markers, and 4 points for the proper position of clock hands [23]. This scale allows for a detailed quantitative assessment of the individual's ability to perform the task.  
The DigiMoCA [16] is a cognitive impairment screening test powered by a conversational agent, which is based on the telephone version of the MoCA (T-MoCA). The DigiMoCA collects data of the following cognitive tasks using an intelligent conversational agent: letter mistakes, letter points, forward and backward number span, the number of correct subtractions (referred to as calculations), and the score obtained from subtraction tasks (referred to as subtractions), the number of F words spoken (referred to as F words), word punctuation, the variable first sentence and the variable second sentence (correct repetitions of sentences), transportation and measurement abstraction tasks, uncued recall, cued recall, choice recall, and orientation for month, year, week, organisation, and city.  
These tasks can be grouped as in the original T-MoCA test in five dimensions, namely, attention, language, abstraction, memory, and orientation. In this study, it was decided to analyse these dimensions using mean comparison tests. This eventually facilitated the consolidation of all the data collected by the DigiMoCA into factor groupings with stronger associations, thereby facilitating analysis.