Cognitive Assessment Test
One tool that doctors use to evaluate patients with dementia is cognitive testing. These exams determine if a person needs to be evaluated further and whether a comprehensive examination for dementia is required.
In general, cognitive exams assess a variety of mental capacities, including:
- awareness of persons, place, and time (Orientation)
- language and communication skills
- short- and long-term memory
- problem-solving abilities
- basic math skills
- spatial and visual abilities
- ability to pay attention , concentrate and follow directions
While some of these exams are quick, others are more involved and call for a separate consultation with a neuropsychologist.
Most involve a sequence of questions with associated scores, frequently spoken and written.