At some point in your life, a doctor or loved one may suggest you undergo cognitive testing. This kind of brain performance testing can help identify signs of thinking problems, some of which may stem from underlying health challenges, so you can get whatever treatment you might need

Although a brain performance test doesn't require any advance preparation, you should still understand what such a test might involve and exactly how it can help you. Take a look at the answers to these common questions about cognitive testing.

What Does Cognitive Testing Evaluate?

Cognitive testing typically evaluates your brain's ability to perform a variety of common tasks and its responsiveness to basic everyday challenges. If you've experienced or displayed problems with memory, concentration, comprehension, paying attention, or following a logical train of thought, cognitive testing can confirm these issues.

A brain performance test can also provide other valuable information for a doctor or neurologist. In addition to verifying specific types of cognitive impairment, cognitive testing can help determine the severity of the impairment, its potential causes, and even the specific part of your brain involved.

When Should You Undergo Cognitive Testing?

Normal, age-related forgetfulness or absentmindedness doesn't necessarily mean that you suffer from significant cognitive impairment or from a disorder that interferes with thinking. Once those problems grow more serious, frequent, or wide-ranging, however, you should consider undergoing a brain performance test.

Symptoms that call for medical evaluation include major memory lapses, the need to make constant lists, forgetting important meetings or routine home tasks, trouble identifying the people in your life, getting lost frequently, and struggling to understand instructions. If you notice these symptoms, schedule cognitive testing.

What Conditions Can Cognitive Testing Diagnose?

Contrary to what you might assume, cognitive testing doesn't diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive testing can identify the hallmark signs of dementia, which, in turn, might point to any of several conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. However, a neurologist must perform additional tests to diagnose this disorder.

If the results of your brain performance test reveal cognitive impairment, your doctor may need to administer a thorough physical exam to look for other related health problems. You might need treatment for thyroid disease, a sleep disorder, or a nutritional deficiency. Even the medications you take could affect your thinking.

What Forms Can Cognitive Testing Take?

Specialists usually rely on three main forms of cognitive testing. The simplest test, known as a Mini-Cog, simply requires you to demonstrate your ability to remember a short list of words and draw a picture. Another test, called the Montreal cognitive assessment, also calls on you to copy various shapes and identify images.

If the doctor suspects a more severe degree of cognitive impairment, you might take a mini-mental state exam. In this test, you must identify real-life objects, count backward, and state the correct date.

Don't stay in the dark about your health. If you worry about your mental state, ask your doctor whether you need cognitive testing. For more information about brain performance testing, reach out to a local service.

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