We all have times when we feel like, "Oh, I can't remember things right now," "I forget words when I'm talking," or "Things that used to be easy now seem so difficult." At times like these, we can take a simple test to see how our brain functions, that is, how we think, how we understand things, and how things like memory work . It is called a cognitive test . This is also called cognitive testing in Sinhala. This is not a big deal, there is no reason to be afraid. This is just like talking to a friend.
What is this `(Cognitive Test)`? Let's understand it simply!
Simply put, a ``Cognitive Test'' is a test that looks at your mental functioning (i.e. ``cognition''). In this test, you are asked a few very simple questions and given a few small tasks to complete. There is no need to study or prepare for this.
Now you may be wondering what `(cognition)` is. It refers to the ability of our brain to understand, process, and act on all the information it receives from our senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin). This includes the following:
- Attention skills
- Decision -making skills
- Judgment
- Language - How to speak and understand
- Learning ability
- Reasoning
- Remembering
- Thinking ability (Thin KI ng)
- Understanding of tea
This test is sometimes called a ``cognitive impairment test'' or ``cognitive screening test''.
When would I need this type of test?
A doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a cognitive impairment. For example:
- If you often forget where you put things , or if you forget important dates or appointments.
- If you have difficulty finding the right words when speaking, or if you forget what you were saying in the middle of a conversation.
- If you feel frustrated or angry because things that used to be easy are now difficult to do.
Sometimes, even if there is no suspicion of a medical condition affecting brain function, your doctor may perform this test after you turn 65. This is because, as our bodies change as we age, there are natural changes in the way our brains function.
What is actually being done in this ``(Cognitive Test)''?
This test is very simple. You will be asked a few questions or given a few short tasks to do. All you have to do is answer them or do the tasks to the best of your ability. There is no need to prepare for this in any way, or to research or study anything. All you have to do is follow the instructions given by the doctor.
The entire test takes only a few minutes to a maximum of 15 minutes . Most often, this is done as part of your regular health exam.
Where is this test done?
This test is usually done in a doctor's office. However, depending on your needs, it may also be done in a hospital. This is especially likely to be done in a hospital setting after an accident or traumatic brain injury .
What types of ``Cognitive Screening Test'' are there?
There are several types of ``cognitive tests``. Among them, the three most commonly used types are:
1. A test that involves a few simple tasks, such as memorizing and repeating words, naming objects in pictures, and looking at a shape and redrawing it . This usually takes about 15 minutes.
2. A test that asks you to count numbers, identify objects, and ask you some general questions that we all know . This will take about 10 minutes.
3. A test in which you have to remember three unrelated words, say them again after a short period of time, and draw a picture of a common object . This can often be completed in as little as three minutes.
What are the questions and tasks asked in this test?
This ``Cognitive screening test`` looks at how our brain functions in various ways related to ``cognition.`` Let's look at some examples of questions the doctor might ask you or tasks you might have to do.
- Attention: Remembering and repeating the names of three unrelated objects.
- Decision-making: Describe an event and ask, "What were you doing at that time?" For example, "You forgot your shopping list and you're at the store. What are you doing?"
- Judgment: Describes a situation and asks, "How would you react to it?" For example, "What would you do if you saw someone getting hurt?"
- Language: To do something as told. For example, "Put your right hand on your left knee."
- Learning: Ask them to say a five-letter word forward and backward. Ask them to read a sentence aloud, write a sentence, and repeat a few words.
- Reasoning: Asks you to solve a simple math problem. (Example: "What is two and five?")
- Remembering: Allows you to describe something that happened recently (`short-term memory`) or something that happened several years ago (`long-term memory`).
- Thinking: Lets you tell the relationship between objects. (Example: "A cat and a dog are both animals.")
- Understanding: Asking things like what day it is and what city you are in.
See, these are very simple things, right?
What happens after the test?
After the test is over, the doctor will tell you more about how you coped with it. It's okay if some questions are difficult to answer, or you can't answer them. You don't have to answer every question exactly.
The most important thing is, this is not an exam. So don't worry about the score.
If the results are below normal (abnormal), your doctor may recommend further tests. Your doctor will explain your situation to you, as each person's situation is different.
Are there any disadvantages to this `(Cognitive Test)`?
It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious when you hear the word "test." So it's no wonder you feel a little nervous before seeing the doctor. But this isn't like a school exam or a major diagnostic test. It's just a quick test to get a little idea of your thinking abilities.
This test alone cannot diagnose a disease. If the doctor suspects a condition such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia , further testing will be necessary.
What do these `(Cognitive Screening Test)` results really say?
These tests only show whether there is a problem with your mental functioning. However, these tests cannot tell you exactly what kind of disease you have. They also cannot tell you where in the brain the impairment is or how severe it is.
The test results are given as a score, which is classified as "normal" or "below normal."
- If you get a normal score , it means that your brain is functioning as expected. However, sometimes, even if you get a normal score, you may have symptoms of a ``cognitive impairment''. If that's the case, further testing may be needed.
- If your score is below the normal range , your doctor may suspect cognitive impairment. They may order more tests or refer you to a neurologist . A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating brain disorders. Your doctor may also order a neuropsychological assessment .
Can't I do this kind of test myself at home?
Yes, there are several cognitive tests you can take at home. These can give you a little idea of what to expect during a test your doctor will perform. One such test is called the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) . You can find it online.
Like other cognitive tests, this one also tests your ability to recognize simple things, use language, reason, solve problems, and remember.
But one thing should be kept in mind. No `(Cognitive Test)`, even if it is done at home, can tell you for sure whether you have a specific disease condition like `(Alzheimer's disease)` or `(Dementia)`. However, these tests can be a good screening tool to help identify the presence of `(cognitive impairment)`.
If you think you or a loved one may have a problem with their thinking or memory, taking this test at home can be a good first step.
After you have had that test, be sure to see a doctor. The doctor can then:
- Talk about the results of your test.
- Do a physical examination.
- Find out about your medical history and the medications you take.
- Order other tests to determine if there are other medical conditions that affect memory or thinking ability.
Final Take-Home Message
Although the word "test" may sound a little scary, there's really nothing to be afraid of with this ``(Cognitive Test)''. It's like an assessment that gives your doctor a better understanding of how your brain works. It only takes a few minutes, and the results are available quickly.
However, knowing your score is not the end of the story. You may need to have additional tests to find out more. Your doctor will explain your score and what to do next (if necessary). If you have any questions about this test or what to expect after it, your medical team is ready to help. So don’t be afraid to talk to them about anything that’s on your mind.
` Cognitive testing, brain function, memory, mental health, dementia, Alzheimer's, aging
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