A neurologist has shared a simple test to measure cognitive function
A neurologist has revealed a simple cognitive test that can be undertaken from the comfort of your own home. The assessment is said to have been used by US presidents, including Donald Trump.
The purpose of these tests is to gauge various cognitive abilities – memory retention, problem-solving skills, attentiveness, and focus levels – key measures of our cerebral vitality. A below-par score may indicate a decline in mental sharpness, potentially signalling early stages of dementia.
On TikTok, neurologist Doctor Baibing Chen who is also known as Dr Bing, shared insights into how this type of assessment works. He said “Here is what a cognitive test would look like for a president.
“Let’s see how you would do. The max score is 30 points and you can pause the video at any time to answer these questions.”
His questions were based on what is known as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which President Trump reportedly took and passed in April this year.
Clock drawing (3 points) – Draw a clock that shows five past nine. You score one point for a round clock, one point for the correct placement of numbers, and one point for the correct hands.
Word colours (2 points) – Dr Bing displayed three words “red”, “black” and “blue”. Each word was displayed in a different colour to what was written. You need to say the colour of the font, rather than the word that is written. You get two points if completed correctly (no partial points).
Animals (3 points) – He showed a picture of three animals – a penguin, turtle, and whale and asked you to name them. You get one point for each correct animal.
Repeat words (5 points) – Dr Bing asked you to listen and repeat five words back to him. You get one point for each correct word. You also need to remember these for later in the test.
Repeat numbers (2 points) – He listed five numbers for you to repeat back. You get two points if you correctly repeat all the numbers.
Repeat numbers in reverse (2 points) – He then asked you to repeat some numbers but in reverse order to how he said them. This is also worth two points.
Multiples (2 points) – You must tap your hand when he names a number that is a multiple of four. You get one point for each correct tap and one point for correctly withholding taps on non-multiples.
Repeat the sentence (1 point) – He asked you to repeat a short sentence back to him. You get one point for getting it completely correct.
Name as many fruits as you can (1 point) – You need to name as many fruits as you can in 10 seconds. You get one point for naming five or more.
Point out the similarities (1 point) – He asked you to point out the similarity between a watch and a calendar.
Name the words from earlier (5 points) – Dr Bing asked you to recall the five words from question five earlier. You get one point for each correct word.
Where you are now (3 points) – He asked you to tell him what season it currently is, what month it is and what city you are in. You get one point for each correct answer.
Dr Bing said: “The test that you just did tests similar brain regions and functions as one of the cognitive tests that some presidents reportedly take, let me know how you did.”
Last month, Trump, who is 78 years old, boasted that he “got every answer right” on his cognitive assessments. As the Independent reported, Trump took the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, achieving a perfect score of 30 out of 30.
The report also noted that his evaluations for depression and anxiety were within normal limits.
