I want to compare cognitive impairments between schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. considering limited normalized cognitive assessments in my country Is Montreal cognitive examination fine with my research?
It does not appear that the test can differentiate in the way you would like it to. The test will indicate mild to moderate cognitive impairment. And it is free.
The MoCA test is based on scores with a maximum score of 30. It takes 10 to 12 minutes. It examines seven (aspects) of cognitive function with a total of 11 different exercises and tasks:3
Executive and visuospatial function: You will first be given a picture with numbered dots (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and lettered dots (A, B, C, D, E) and asked to connect them sequentially, alternating numbers and letters. Next, you will be given a drawing of a three-dimensional cube and asked to make a copy. Finally, you will be asked to draw a dial clock that reads 10 minutes past 11:00.
Naming: You will be shown pictures of three animals and asked what type of animal they are.
Attention: You will first be given a series of numbers and asked to repeat them forward or backward. You will then be given a series of letters and asked to pick out the letter "A." Finally, you will be given several numbers and asked to subtract them from 100.
Language: You will first be asked to repeat back two different sentences verbatim. You will then be shown a series of capital letters and asked to pick out all of the "As."
Abstraction: You will be asked what is in common between two different things (such as an apple and an orange, or a car and an airplane),
Delayed recall: You will be given five words and asked to repeat them back after five minutes.
Orientation: You will be asked about the date, month, year, day, city, and place you are in.