Cognitive Impairment Testing

If you’re worried about your memory, have difficulty communicating, or your brain seems to work slower than usual, it could be time to talk with the experienced team at RHBNeuro about cognitive impairment testing. Randi Baculi, MD, and Sanam Zaidi, PA-C, frequently use digital cognitive testing to assess your thinking skills, identify the severity of your memory or brain processing problem, and recommend customized treatment. Book an appointment online or call the Dallas, Texas office to learn if you need cognitive impairment testing.

What is cognitive impairment testing?

During cognitive impairment testing, you answer questions that assess your brain’s thinking processes. In-depth cognitive testing shows how well your brain functions in areas like:

• Memory
• Attention
• Concentration
• Verbal ability
• Brain processing speed
• Deductive and verbal reasoning

Cognitive testing is standardized, meaning many people have answered the same questions. This allows your provider to compare your ability to the average scores of an extensive group of people.

When would I need cognitive impairment testing?

You need cognitive impairment testing if you display symptoms or behaviors indicating a problem with your brain function. Typical symptoms that signal the need for testing include:

• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetting appointments
• Not remembering words
• Frequently losing things
• Anger and irritability
• Struggling to express thoughts

Memory loss is among the most common reasons RHBNeuro recommends cognitive testing. Your memory loss could arise from many possible problems, including common age-related changes, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and neurological conditions.

RHBNeuro often performs cognitive impairment testing following a stroke. They also assess cognitive function in adults with developmental and psychiatric disorders.

What kind of cognitive impairment testing might I need? 

RHBNeuro typically does two kinds of cognitive impairment testing. The first, a Mini-Cog©, is a quick way to identify memory loss, and the second is an in-depth evaluation:

Mini-Cog

The Mini-Cog, a three-minute test, is often the first evaluation performed during your initial appointment. It quickly reveals signs of memory loss.

Your provider states three words and asks you to repeat them. Then you draw a clock showing a specific time, and when you’re finished, your provider asks you to repeat the three words. They could also ask a few other questions about current events or the day’s date.

Digital cognitive impairment assessment

This thorough assessment shows how your brain functions in all areas, including:

• Memory
• Language
• Reasoning
• Problem-solving
• Attention and concentration
• Brain processing speed
• Visual perception
• Executive function (ability to plan, follow directions, control emotions, and stay focused)

This can be a written evaluation, but RHBNeuro primarily uses digital testing, allowing you to answer the questions online. Digital testing produces immediate results.

You can retake the test, allowing your provider to quickly compare it with previous tests to identify changes in your cognitive abilities. 

Go online to request an appointment or call RHBNeuro to learn more about cognitive impairment testing.