Cognitive decline and memory loss are unfortunate side effects of aging. While we gain wisdom and knowledge, we tend to lose a little of our mental sharpness and speed. It can be difficult to know when memory loss goes from “normal” to symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s. You may also wonder if you’re just getting older, or if your brain really isn’t working as well as it should be. The answer to all of these concerns lies in cognitive testing. A cognitive test for seniors measures your brain’s ability to identify things, think, remember, assess, and use language. This can reassure you or your senior loved one that they aren’t “losing it” after all. It can also give you important information on if or when dementia may be setting in, because early treatment can make a big difference.
Please note that cognitive tests like the kind we are discussing today can’t diagnose, assess, or treat any illness or condition. A cognitive test is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, make sure to consult a healthcare professional soon.
That said, cognitive tests can be fun and reassuring, and provide you with important information. Keep reading to learn more about cognitive tests, and check out a few of our favorites you can try at home.
What are Cognitive Tests for Seniors?
Cognitive tests for seniors are simple evaluations to test your cognition. Cognition means the way you acquire knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. A cognitive test will usually include answering some questions, either written or verbally. You can take a cognitive test online, or a doctor can administer one. If you or your doctor suspects you might have dementia, they will perform an official screening. They usually use the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition, which includes simple tests like remembering names and addresses, your knowledge of date and time, and current events and news. They may also use the Mini Cog, a quick screening tool for early detection of dementia. There are many cognitive screening options for doctors to use.
Cognitive tests for seniors usually aren’t tests of your specific or general knowledge, the speed of your thinking, or your ability to do math. They aren’t tests like the ACT or SAT or other standardized tests, or tests of intelligence like the IQ test. They are very simple and only assess whether or not you may be dealing with a cognitive illness or disorder. If your score on a cognitive test does indicate that you may have dementia, memory loss, or cognitive impairment, further evaluation by a medical professional will be necessary.
Cognitive tests also don’t show what may be causing cognitive impairment, or how severe it is. They are only one piece of a complex puzzle.
The Best Cognitive Tests for Seniors
If you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from dementia, memory loss, or cognitive impairment, you can do a cognitive test yourself online.
A popular one is the Short Form of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (Short IQCODE). With this test, a loved one of the person in question will fill out a series of 16 written questions about their friend or family member’s cognitive ability. The test asks the “informant” (friend or family member) to consider their loved one’s abilities now versus 10 years ago. So, the best person to take the test is usually a child or younger relative, or longtime friend, of a senior citizen.
You can also try the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) test, developed by the Ohio State University, which you (or your senior loved one) take yourself. It doesn’t take longer than 15 minutes. If you suspect dementia or other cognitive issues after taking the test, bring it to show your doctor.
For a simple and easy option that doesn’t require any printing or downloading, try to draw a clock (or ask your senior loved one to do so). This is a great way to test executive function and spatial awareness.
Take more than one test, as well as whatever screening your doctor administers, before assuming there may be an issue. The results of one test is not proof of anything.
Take a Quick Unofficial Cognitive Test
Want to test out a quick unofficial cognitive test? Ask yourself or your senior loved ones these quick questions:
- What is today’s date?
- How are a watch and a ruler similar?
- Can you name 10 different animals?
- How many quarters are in $1.50?
- Can you draw a clock, with the long and short hand and all relevant numbers?
- Have you or your loved ones noticed any memory problems recently?
- Have you or your loved ones noticed a change in your personality?
- Do you frequently feel depressed and sad?
If you or your loved one finds it difficult to answer any of these questions, please see your doctor to perform more official assessment and testing.
A Few Caveats
There are a few reasons that a cognitive test might be inaccurate or not the right choice as an assessment tool. For example, if English is not you or your loved one’s first language, giving a test in English is unlikely to be accurate. Educational background plays a role as well. It’s always best to give these tests against a baseline assessment. If you have never had a great memory, a poor memory as a senior is unlikely to be of great concern. We all have different cognitive strengths and weaknesses. So, even if you don’t currently suspect you have any signs of dementia, taking a test can be a great way to establish a baseline for future reference.
Cognitive tests for seniors are a good way to detect dementia early. This is important because health outcomes are better for people with dementia when it is treated early. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing dementia, memory loss, or cognitive decline, see your doctor for an assessment right away.
If you or your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, don’t despair. It’s time to consider senior living to give you a hand! Many senior living communities offer a variety of levels of care, from independent living to full-time memory care. Tour a community near you today.
