As we age, it's common to wonder if our brains are working as well as they once did. We've all had the experience of forgetting why we entered a room or not remembering a name that's on the tip of our tongue. But could a simple test help us better understand how our memory and cognitive abilities work?
Dr. Baibing Chen, known on social media as Dr. Bing, is a neurologist specializing in the treatment of epilepsy at the University of Michigan and trained at the Mayo Clinic. Through his publications, he shares tips on brain health, stroke prevention, and factors that can affect the functioning of the nervous system.
Recently, he introduced a 10-question test that he also recommends to patients to assess some of the main functions of the brain. Each question examines a specific ability, such as memory, concentration, speech or orientation.
According to the assessment proposed by the doctor, a score of at least 21 points indicates a very good performance. Answer the questions below and find out how many points you get.
10-question test to assess memory and brain function
1. What month and season are we in? (1-2 points)
This is a simple question for most people, but it assesses temporal orientation, the ability to understand where we are in time. This function is mainly associated with the areas of the brain responsible for memory and information processing.
1 point for the correct month.
1 point for the correct season.
2. Repeat these three words: hat, river, lemon. (1-3 points)
Read them carefully and try to remember them, because you will need them later during the test.
This question assesses immediate memory and concentration, i.e. the ability to absorb new information and retain it for a short time.
1 point for each word remembered correctly.
3. Start at the number 21 and subtract 3 numbers until you reach zero. (2 points)
Think carefully and continue the deduction without the help of pencil or paper.
This exercise assesses working memory and concentration, as you must remember each outcome as you perform the next action.
2 points if you get to zero correctly.
4. Within 15 seconds, say as many fruit names as you can.
Try to name as many fruits as possible, without repeating the same names.
This question assesses general knowledge and the ability to quickly find and pronounce words related to a certain category.
1 point for every two different fruits, up to 6 points.
5. Repeat the sentence: “Fresh bread in a tin box.” (1 point)
Listen or read the sentence carefully and try to repeat it without mistakes.
This exercise assesses the ability to process linguistic information, understand sentences, and repeat them correctly.
1 point if you repeat the sentence without mistakes.
6. Say a color, then an animal, then another color and another animal. Continue until you have named four colors and four animals.
For example, you could start with red, then an animal, then another color and another animal. The important thing is to maintain the alternation.
This exercise measures mental flexibility, the ability to switch from one task to another without losing concentration.
1 point for each correct alternation, up to 4 points.
7. Draw a clock and place the hands at 4:10. (2 points)
Draw a circle, place the numbers from 1 to 12, and then mark the required hour with the hands.
This is an exercise often used in neurological assessments. It tests the ability to plan, understand space, and follow directions.
2 points if the drawing and positioning of the hands are correct.
8. What do a clock and a ruler have in common? (1 point)
Think about their function and not just their appearance.
This question assesses abstract thinking, i.e. the ability to find a connection between two objects that at first glance are different.
1 point if you explain that both are used to measure something.
9. What were the three words you were asked to remember at the beginning of the test? (Up to 3 points)
Don't go back to the second question! Try to remember the words without help.
This exercise assesses short-term memory and the ability to retrieve information after a period of time.
1 point for each word remembered correctly.
10. What is a spoon for and how would you use it? (1 point)
Explain the function of the spoon and demonstrate with gestures how you would use it.
This question assesses the ability to perform common and previously learned movements, as well as the coordination between thinking and physical movements.
1 point for correct answer and demonstration.
How is the result interpreted?
Finally, add up the points you earned and see which level you fall into, according to the proposed division in the test:
21-25 points: Excellent result. You have shown very good performance in the assessment exercises.
15-20 points: Good performance. Most of the skills tested are at a satisfactory level.
8-14 points: There is still room for improvement. Exercises that stimulate memory and concentration may be helpful.
0-7 points: It is recommended to pay more attention to activities that boost cognitive functions and consult a professional if you have memory concerns.
An important clarification: This test is an orienting exercise for some brain functions and does not replace a proper neurological evaluation. The result does not determine intelligence nor can it decide whether or not a person has memory problems.
