Cognitive Decline Self-Assessment Quiz

Please rate how often you've experienced each of the following in the past 6 months. Select the option that best describes your experience.

Rating Scale

0 = Rarely or never
1 = Occasionally (once or twice a month)
2 = Frequently (weekly)
3 = Almost always (daily)

Memory Function

1. Short-term recall: Do you frequently misplace everyday items like keys, glasses, or wallet?

2. Appointment memory: Do you have trouble remembering appointments without written reminders?

3. Name recall: Do you have difficulty remembering the names of people you know well?

Executive Function

4. Following instructions: Do you find it harder to follow a recipe or set of instructions than you used to?

5. Planning ability: Do you have difficulty planning multi-step activities or events?

6. Financial management: Is it challenging to manage your finances or medications independently?

Language and Communication

7. Word finding: Do you struggle to find the right words during conversations?

8. Conversation tracking: Do you find yourself losing track of what you were saying mid-conversation?

9. Vocabulary usage: Has your vocabulary seemed more limited or repetitive recently?

Attention and Concentration

10. Sustained focus: Is it difficult to focus on reading material for extended periods?

11. Task completion: Do you get distracted easily when trying to complete a task?

12. Media comprehension: Do you have trouble following the plot of a TV show or movie?

Visuospatial Awareness

13. Navigation: Have you had difficulty navigating familiar places or following directions?

14. Distance judgment: Do you find it challenging to judge distances when driving or walking?

15. Spatial organization: Has your ability to organize items in space (like arranging furniture) declined?

What Your Score Means

0-10 points: Typical age-related changes that most people experience as they age. No immediate concern needed.
11-25 points: Some cognitive concerns that may warrant discussion with a healthcare provider during a regular check-up. This doesn't necessarily indicate a serious problem, but the frequency or impact of cognitive issues is enough that it might be worth mentioning to a doctor.
26-45 points: Significant cognitive concerns that suggest a more prompt consultation with a healthcare provider for further evaluation is recommended.

Important Information

This Quiz Is Not a Diagnosis

This self-assessment is not a diagnostic tool. Many factors can temporarily affect cognitive function, including stress, certain medications, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, vitamin deficiencies, and hormonal changes.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

Your cognitive difficulties interfere with daily activities
You notice a sudden or rapid decline in cognitive abilities
Cognitive changes are accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, personality changes, or difficulty with movement
You or family members are concerned about memory or thinking changes

Supporting Brain Health

Research suggests these lifestyle factors support cognitive health:

Regular physical activity
Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
Social engagement and intellectual stimulation
Quality sleep (7-8 hours)
Stress management
Management of cardiovascular risk factors

For more information about cognitive health, speak with your healthcare provider.