Which cognitive function is assessed in the "Abstraction" section of the MoCA?

The "Abstraction" section of the MoCA specifically assesses conceptual thinking. This area evaluates an individual's ability to understand complex ideas and make connections between concepts. In this context, participants are often asked to interpret similarities between two items or concepts, which requires higher-order thinking and the capacity to see beyond concrete examples.

Conceptual thinking is crucial for problem-solving and reasoning, and it reflects how well an individual can integrate and apply their knowledge in various contexts. While memory, attention span, and visual-spatial skills are indeed important cognitive functions, they are assessed in other sections of the MoCA. Thus, the focus on abstract reasoning in the "Abstraction" section highlights the significance of conceptual thinking in assessing cognitive health.