Mini-Cog Test
A brief screening that combines three-word recall and clock drawing. It is widely used in primary care and community settings to quickly assess memory and executive function.
Open Mini-Cog TestIntroduction
Dementia screening tests are short assessments used to check memory, attention, and other thinking skills. They are often used in clinical settings as a first step to identify people who might benefit from further evaluation. On this page you can try free online versions of well-known screening tools for educational and self-awareness purposes. These tools are used to support early detection of cognitive decline and to encourage conversations with healthcare providers when needed. For more memory testing tools and education, visit MemoryTestOnline.org.
Important Disclaimer
These tools are educational self-screening exercises and do not provide medical diagnoses. If you are concerned about memory loss or cognitive decline, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Screening Tests
Try these free cognitive screening tools. Each focuses on different skills such as memory, attention, and visuospatial ability.
Clock Drawing Test
Draw a clock showing a specific time. This task taps into planning, visuospatial skills, and number knowledge. It is often used alongside other screening measures.
Open Clock Drawing TestWord Recall Memory Test
Remember a short list of words after a brief delay. This type of task assesses immediate and short-term verbal memory, which can be affected in early cognitive change.
Open Word Recall TestCognitive Health Self-Assessment
A questionnaire about memory, daily function, and mood. It helps you reflect on areas that might warrant a conversation with a doctor or specialist.
Open Self-AssessmentUnderstanding Cognitive Screening Results
Screening tools measure aspects of memory, attention, and executive function. Your results on these online exercises can give you a rough idea of how you perform on similar tasks, but they are not a diagnosis. Poor results do not necessarily mean you have dementia—many factors can affect performance, including stress, sleep, medication, and other health conditions. A full evaluation by a healthcare professional is needed to interpret findings and decide on next steps. If your results concern you, or if you notice ongoing changes in memory or thinking, talk to your doctor.
Early Warning Signs of Cognitive Decline
Being aware of common signs can help you or a family member seek advice when appropriate. Possible warning signs include:
These can have many causes. Learn more about when to take action: Early signs of dementia, Memory loss warning signs, and Normal aging vs dementia.
When To Seek Medical Advice
Consider talking to a doctor or specialist if you notice:
A healthcare professional can rule out treatable causes (e.g. medication side effects, thyroid issues, depression) and recommend further assessment or support if needed.
FAQ
What is a dementia screening test?
A dementia screening test is a short set of tasks used to check memory, attention, and thinking skills. Common examples include word recall, clock drawing, and simple questions. Screening helps identify people who may need further evaluation by a doctor. It does not diagnose dementia—only a healthcare professional can do that.
Can dementia be detected with online tests?
Online tests can give you a general idea of how you perform on certain cognitive tasks. They cannot detect or diagnose dementia. A proper evaluation requires a clinical assessment, medical history, and sometimes additional tests ordered by a physician or specialist.
What are early symptoms of dementia?
Early symptoms may include memory loss that affects daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion about time or place, trouble completing familiar tasks, and changes in mood or judgment. Not everyone with these signs has dementia—other conditions can cause similar symptoms. A doctor can help determine the cause.
How accurate are cognitive tests?
Screening tests are designed to flag possible concerns, not to give a final diagnosis. They can miss some cases or suggest problems when none exist. Accuracy depends on how and where the test is done. For a reliable assessment, a healthcare professional should interpret results in the context of your full health picture.
When should I see a doctor for memory problems?
See a doctor if memory or thinking changes affect daily life, persist over time, or worry you or your family. Examples include forgetting recent events often, getting lost in familiar places, or having trouble with language or decisions. Early evaluation can identify treatable causes and help with planning if needed.