Memory screening tools

Many of these tests are used to gather your data which can be used for a variety of unscrupulous purposes. This will help assure that the test is supported by science and will not misuse your information.

Most commonly, your information is used to create targeted online ads and is sold to companies who mine data. Medical-based information can be sold to your insurance company or employer, or even fall into the hands of criminals. Does this sound like you? Apparently, the personnel administering the tests did not have the required expertise to administer these tests.

Any legitimate memory test will clearly state its affiliation with a university, group of neuroscientists, or nonprofit organization. Several of these tests are actually used by clinics as screening tools, but you can do them at home. Some will tabulate a score for you immediately, others you will have to grade yourself or have someone else do this for you.

This first group of tests includes those used by clinicians to diagnose memory loss and other cognitive impairments. Note: If you take any of these tests and your results are suspicious, we urge you to talk to your doctor. She may want to repeat the test in her office or see you for a cognitive check-up. If you are a senior covered by Medicare, you can receive a routine cognitive impairment assessment as part of your annual check-up.

This test measures 11 cognitive categories including short-term memory, calculations, and recognition of geometric figures. You can learn more about this test on the Saint Louis University website. The Mini Mental State Examination MMSE is the most commonly used test for complaints of memory loss or when a diagnosis of dementia is being considered. You can take the test here. You can print this 2-page memory test here.

We hear this question often. Here's my answer:. This test works better if you have someone else administer it to you since some of the questions and answers are verbal rather than written. Find instructions on how to grade this test yourself here. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Arrange appropriate blood tests to exclude reversible causes of cognitive decline, including: Full blood count. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR.

C-reactive protein CRP. Urea and electrolytes. Liver function tests. Thyroid function tests. Serum B12 and folate levels. Other investigations that may be appropriate if clinically indicated include urine microscopy and culture, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram ECG , syphilis serology, and HIV testing. Do not rely solely on cognition scores in circumstances in which it would be inappropriate to do so.

Take into account any learning disabilities or other disabilities for example, sensory impairments , linguistic or other communication difficulties. If dementia is suspected in people with learning disabilities arrange specialist referral for assessment and treatment. Do not rule out dementia solely because the person has a normal score on a cognitive instrument. Consider alternative diagnoses , including treatable causes.

Many different cognitive assessment tools are available — those suggested by NICE include: point Cognitive Screener CS The CS involves 3 temporal orientation questions year, month, date , a 3-word recall, and a 4 point scaled animal naming task.

One point is scored for each of the temporal questions and each word recalled, and the scores for the animal naming task range from 0 points for 0—5 animals, to 4 points for 15 or more animals. A score of 8 or more is normal, 6—7 indicates possible cognitive impairment, and 0—5 indicates probable cognitive impairment. An inverse score is used, and questions are weighted to produce a total out of While screening results alone are insufficient to diagnose dementia, they are an important first step.

NIA does not endorse any specific screening tools. The selection of a screening tool depends on a variety of factors, including the setting, target population age and demographics, language, expertise of the administrator, etc. Research is currently underway to create and validate new tools for cognitive screening in primary care settings.

Assessment for cognitive impairment can be performed at any visit but is now a required component of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. CMS also created a related educational video for health care providers. Positive screening results warrant further evaluation.