Mini-ACE
The recommended cognitive impairment screening tool in New Zealand.
About the Mini-ACE.
Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (Mini-ACE or M-ACE) is a brief cognitive screening test. It’s free, easy to use, and takes around five minutes to complete.
The Mini-ACE has replaced the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA©) test as New Zealand’s recommended cognitive screening test. For this reason, online training for the Mini-ACE is available online. You can begin using the Mini-ACE at any time after completing training.
Since 1 September 2020, anyone conducting cognitive impairment screening should use this test. The only exception is for those who have paid for training and certification through the MoCA Institute. The Mini-ACE test is not prescriptive. However, it is the recommended tool on NZ HealthPathways.
Like the MoCA©, the Mini-ACE test is only part of the process of diagnosing dementia.
Training.
First-time users of Mini-ACE should undertake the New Zealand online training module.
The training module is available on regional Te Whatu Ora and Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health learning platforms. The training includes videos and takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Once the training package is completed and the quiz is answered with 100% accuracy, a certificate of completion will be automatically issued.
Before starting the training module, download a copy of the Mini-ACE version A and the administration guide from this site.
The training module is available on the following learning platforms:
Download the Mini-ACE.
The New Zealand Mini-ACE English language test and the administration and scoring guide are available for download below. You should always refer to the guide when administering and scoring the Mini-ACE.
The Mini-ACE has three versions (A, B and C) to help avoid learning effects in longitudinal monitoring. The only difference is the name and address of the memory item.
The training module is available on the following learning platforms:
Alternate Language Versions.
These resources have kindly been assembled by the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre and made freely available.
Please note that none of the following versions has been adapted for New Zealand. We recommend asking your interpreter to substitute the address used for one of the New Zealand addresses, appropriately translated.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a question about administering or interpreting the Mini-ACE
You will find answers to frequently asked questions about administering and interpreting the Mini-ACE in the training module.
Can I keep using the MoCA©?
The use of the Mini-ACE test is not prescriptive. Still, it is the recommended tool for health professionals in General Practice and non-specialist settings, where they are using a simple cognitive test as part of a broader assessment of cognitive changes and functioning.
A recommended tool that is freely available and consistently administered helps to ensure a common “language” across time and professionals. If a health professional deems it appropriate to continue using the MoCA©, they must be certified by the MoCA© Institute.
I am having trouble accessing or completing the module on the LearnOnline platform. Who can I contact?
You will need to register for the Learn Online platform; the module is not available to guests. For technical queries, please email: lmssupport@catalyst.net.nz
I am having trouble accessing or completing the module on my DHB’s learning platform. Who can I contact?
About the Mini-ACE.
Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (Mini-ACE or M-ACE) is a brief cognitive screening test. It’s free, easy to use, and takes around five minutes to complete.
The Mini-ACE has replaced the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA©) test as New Zealand’s recommended cognitive screening test. For this reason, online training for the Mini-ACE is available online. You can begin using the Mini-ACE at any time after completing training.
Since 1 September 2020, anyone conducting cognitive impairment screening should use this test. The only exception is for those who have paid for training and certification through the MoCA Institute. The Mini-ACE test is not prescriptive. However, it is the recommended tool on NZ HealthPathways.
Like the MoCA©, the Mini-ACE test is only part of the process of diagnosing dementia.
Training.
First-time users of Mini-ACE should undertake the New Zealand online training module.
The training module is available on regional Te Whatu Ora and Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health learning platforms. The training includes videos and takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Once the training package is completed and the quiz is answered with 100% accuracy, a certificate of completion will be automatically issued.
Before starting the training module, download a copy of the Mini-ACE version A and the administration guide from this site.
The training module is available on the following learning platforms:
Download the Mini-ACE.
The New Zealand Mini-ACE English language test and the administration and scoring guide are available for download below. You should always refer to the guide when administering and scoring the Mini-ACE.
The Mini-ACE has three versions (A, B and C) to help avoid learning effects in longitudinal monitoring. The only difference is the name and address of the memory item.
The training module is available on the following learning platforms:
Alternate Language Versions.
These resources have kindly been assembled by the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre and made freely available.
Please note that none of the following versions has been adapted for New Zealand. We recommend asking your interpreter to substitute the address used for one of the New Zealand addresses, appropriately translated.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a question about administering or interpreting the Mini-ACE
You will find answers to frequently asked questions about administering and interpreting the Mini-ACE in the training module.
Can I keep using the MoCA©?
The use of the Mini-ACE test is not prescriptive. Still, it is the recommended tool for health professionals in General Practice and non-specialist settings, where they are using a simple cognitive test as part of a broader assessment of cognitive changes and functioning.
A recommended tool that is freely available and consistently administered helps to ensure a common “language” across time and professionals. If a health professional considers it appropriate to continue to use the MoCA© after 1 September 2020, they must be certified by the MoCA© Institute.
I am having trouble accessing or completing the module on the LearnOnline platform. Who can I contact?
You will need to register for the Learn Online platform; the module is not available to guests. For technical queries, please email: lmssupport@catalyst.net.nz
I am having trouble accessing or completing the module on my DHB’s learning platform. Who can I contact?