Cognitive Testing
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Cognitive testing checks for problems with certain brain functions called 'cognition.' Cognition includes thinking, learning, remembering, and using judgment and language. Problems with cognition are called 'cognitive impairment.' There are many different cognitive tests that check for cognitive impairment. They generally involve answering questions and doing simple tasks, such as repeating lists of words or spelling words backwards.
The most commonly used tests usually take 15 minutes or less. Cognitive impairment is more common among older people, but it's not a normal part of aging. It can be caused by many medical and mental health conditions.
Some of these conditions may be treatable, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), depression, and side effects from medicine. Treating these conditions may improve cognitive impairment or cure it completely. But cognitive impairment caused by dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, has no cure and gets worse over time.
Cognitive testing alone can't diagnose dementia or any other cause of cognitive impairment. But the test results can show whether you have a problem with how your brain is functioning that needs more testing. That helps your health care provider order the right tests to learn more about your cognitive impairment and whether it can be treated.
Even if the cause of cognitive impairment can't be treated, the information you gain from cognitive testing can help you and your family plan for your future care.
Why this test is done
You may need cognitive testing if you show signs of cognitive impairment. You may notice these changes yourself or your family or friends may notice them. Signs of cognitive impairment include:
- Forgetting appointments and important events
- Losing things often
- Having trouble coming up with words that you usually know
- Losing your train of thought in conversations, movies, or books
- Feeling increased irritability and/or anxiety
How to prepare
You don't need any special preparations for a cognitive test.
Other names for this test
cognitive assessment, cognitive screening, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA test, Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and Mini-Cog
Full library entry
Reference ranges, sample type, and citations for this marker.
Open in the biomarker librarySources
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559052— MedlinePlus
- nia.nih.gov/health/assessing-cognitive-impairment-older-patients— MedlinePlus
- nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease— MedlinePlus
- nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia— MedlinePlus
- nia.nih.gov/health/what-mild-cognitive-impairment— MedlinePlus
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Educational content only. This entry describes what a test measures and how published reference ranges are defined. It is not a diagnosis, does not interpret your personal results, and is not a substitute for a qualified doctor.