Are My Cognitive Abilities Sound?

Take this quiz to test your cognitive abilities.

Are you looking for a way to test your cognitive abilities (the way your brain processes information)? An official cognitive test is usually given in a medical setting, but this quiz can give you a good idea of how sharp your thinking skills are.

Just answer these questions that assess your concentration, memory, abstract thinking, and language and math skills, and we’ll let you know whether or not your brain is in tip-top shape. Hit “Start Quiz” to get started!

Disclaimer: This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool and shouldn’t be used as one. Always see a licensed healthcare professional to address your concerns.

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Questions Overview

1. In this question, we’ll ask you to remember three words and repeat them back to us at the end of the quiz. The words are: Apple, Sunset, Table . Got it?
  1. I'm ready for the next question!
2. Choose the number that comes next in this sequence: 3, 7, 11, 15, __
  1. 19
  2. 17
  3. 21
  4. 16
3. What does the common phrase “the early bird gets the worm” mean?
  1. When you get somewhere first, you have a better chance of success.
  2. Birds who are awake earlier are less likely to starve.
  3. You need to work hard to get the worm.
  4. I have no idea.
4. Finish this statement: ECSTATIC is to DISCOURAGED as ______
  1. BRAVE is to COWARDLY
  2. HONEST is to TRUTHFUL
  3. FEARFUL is to UNHAPPY
  4. MOROSE is to MELANCHOLY
5. Choose the emoji that goes along with this group: 🐈🐄🦔🐇🐕
  1. 🐑
  2. 🐠
  3. 🦕
  4. 🐊
6. What shape comes next in this pattern? 🟪🟡🔷, 🟪🟡🔷, 🟪🟡
  1. 🔷
  2. 🔶
  3. 🟪
  4. 🟡
7. How would you draw a clock showing the time 9:00? ⏰
  1. With the short hand pointing to 9 and the long hand pointing to 12.
  2. With the short hand pointing to 12 and the long hand pointing to 9.
  3. With the short hand pointing to 9 and the long hand pointing to 3.
  4. With the short hand pointing to 3 and the long hand pointing to 9.
8. Which word has the closest meaning to APPREHENSIVE?
  1. ANXIOUS
  2. ANNOYED
  3. AGGRESSIVE
  4. APATHETIC
9. Which mathematical expression doesn’t equal 9?
  1. 2 + 6
  2. 17 - 8
  3. 3 x 3
  4. 36 ÷ 4
10. What does the common phrase “hold your horses” mean?
  1. Be patient.
  2. Act quickly.
  3. Don’t hesitate.
  4. Think fast.
11. Choose the word that doesn’t go with this group: CHEERFUL, MERRY, JOYFUL
  1. CRESTFALLEN
  2. CONTENTED
  3. JUBILANT
  4. GLEEFUL
12. What were the three words we asked you to remember at the start of this quiz?
  1. Apple, Sunset, Table
  2. Banana, Ocean, Chair
  3. Ant, Snake, Torch
  4. Orange, Sunrise, Couch

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Not sure if this is the right result?<\/b> At the end of the day, you know your own mind best, so if you want an official cognitive test, you should reach out to your doctor.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Intelligent"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Improve-Mind-Power"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Be Intelligent","id":168291,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Intelligent","image":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Be-Intelligent-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-Intelligent-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Be Intelligent"},{"title":"How to Improve Mind Power","id":1220738,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Improve-Mind-Power","image":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Improve-Mind-Power-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Improve-Mind-Power-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Improve Mind Power"}],"minimum":9,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":2,"text":"Your cognitive abilities are in good shape!","meaning":"You answered questions that tested memory, language, math, and abstract thinking, and you got most of them right. Amazing job! Based on your results, it looks like your cognitive abilities are strong, and there aren\u2019t any issues with your thinking. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Not sure if this is the right result?<\/b> At the end of the day, you know your own mind best, so if you want an official cognitive test, you should reach out to your doctor.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Increase-Your-Brain-Power"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Increase-Your-Brain%27s-Processing-Speed"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Increase Your Brain Power","id":1238203,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Increase-Your-Brain-Power","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Boost-Brain-Power-Step-12Bullet1.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Boost-Brain-Power-Step-12Bullet1.jpg","alt":"How to Increase Your Brain Power"},{"title":"How to Increase Your Brain's Processing Speed","id":33792,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Increase-Your-Brain%27s-Processing-Speed","image":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Increase-Your-Brain%27s-Processing-Speed-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Increase-Your-Brain%27s-Processing-Speed-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Increase Your Brain's Processing Speed"}],"minimum":6,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":3,"text":"There might be an issue with your cognitive abilities.","meaning":"Based on your test results, it looks like you may be having some trouble with your memory, language, math abilities, or abstract thinking skills. That\u2019s probably no big deal at all, and this quiz is not an official cognitive test anyway. That said, if you\u2019re worried about your results or your cognition, you can totally take steps to get an official reading!

  • This quiz is also designed for adults, so if you\u2019re a kid, don\u2019t worry about not getting a great score\u2014that\u2019s completely normal!<\/li><\/ul>
    What should you do next?<\/b> If you\u2019re concerned about your cognitive abilities, check in with your doctor just in case. They\u2019ll be able to give you an official cognitive test and address any issues.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Think-Clearly"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Retain-Knowledge"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Think Clearly and Logically in Any Situation","id":4754923,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Think-Clearly","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Think-Clearly-Step-20.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Think-Clearly-Step-20.jpg","alt":"How to Think Clearly and Logically in Any Situation"},{"title":"How to Retain Knowledge","id":927321,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Retain-Knowledge","image":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Retain-Knowledge-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Retain-Knowledge-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Retain Knowledge"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>\"What<\/picture>","alt":"Which Celebrity Would You Marry Quiz"},{"title":"What Adventure Time Character Am I Quiz","id":14653300,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/What-Adventure-Time-Character-Am-I","image":"\"What<\/picture>","alt":"What Adventure Time Character Am I Quiz"},{"title":"What Human Emotion Am I Quiz","id":13428156,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/What-Human-Emotion-Am-I-Quiz","image":"\"What<\/picture>","alt":"What Human Emotion Am I Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"A trivia quiz to test my smarts","result":"Amazing! Show off your knowledge with these fun trivia quizzes:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"General Knowledge Quiz","id":14201541,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/General-Knowledge-Quiz","image":"\"General<\/picture>","alt":"General Knowledge Quiz"},{"title":"Horror Movie Trivia Quiz","id":14562711,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Horror-Movie-Quiz","image":"\"Horror<\/picture>","alt":"Horror Movie Trivia Quiz"},{"title":"Am I Smarter than a 5th Grader Quiz","id":14174658,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Are-You-Smarter-than-a-5th-Grader-Quiz","image":"\"Are<\/picture>","alt":"Am I Smarter than a 5th Grader Quiz"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>

All About Cognitive Testing

What are cognitive tests?
Cognitive tests are performed in medical settings, and they check for problems with your mental functioning, or “cognition.” Cognition is your brain’s ability to take in and process information, and it involves things like thinking, learning, remembering, paying attention, reasoning, making decisions, and understanding and using language. [1]


How do cognitive tests work?
During a cognitive screening test, you’ll be asked to answer a few questions and/or perform a few tasks to assess your cognitive abilities. This may include things like:

  • Recalling a short list of words provided to you at the beginning of the assessment and reciting them successfully at the end of the assessment.
  • Performing mathematical functions, like subtracting a certain number from a larger number, subtracting the same number from that answer, and so on.
  • Drawing a clock with the hands pointing to a specific time.
  • Performing a simple task like placing your left hand on your right knee when the assessor asks you to.
  • Listening to a scenario and explaining what you’d do in that situation to demonstrate your judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Naming the relationship between a list of objects (ex: orange, apple, banana, and strawberry are all fruits) or explaining the meaning of a common adage or saying (such as “better safe than sorry” or “actions speak louder than words”). [2]


What are the most commonly used cognitive tests?

  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test: This test requires you to memorize a short list of words, copy a drawing of an object or shape, and identify animals when shown pictures of them. It takes about 15 minutes to complete.
  • Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE): In this test, you’ll be asked to state well-known facts (like the date), count backward from a number, and identify everyday objects in the room. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Mini-Cog: In this test, you’ll be asked to remember a list of three objects and recite them back at the end of the assessment. You’ll also be asked to draw a clock with hands that show a specific time. It’s the shortest option and usually takes about 3 minutes. [3]


What kinds of health conditions do cognitive tests help diagnose?
Cognitive tests alone can’t diagnose specific health conditions—they’re just screening tools to help determine whether you have any cognitive impairment. If your results indicate an issue, your doctor will order further tests to confirm the cause. [4] Potential causes of cognitive impairment include:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Insomnia or sleep apnea
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Side effects from certain medicines
  • Depression, anxiety, or stress
  • Blood vessel disorders
  • Concussion or other brain injury
  • Long-term alcohol use
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Stroke
  • Age-related changes in memory
  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease [5]


Do you need to do anything to prepare for a cognitive test?
No, you don’t need to prepare or study for a cognitive test. [6] You’ll just need to go to the doctor’s office or healthcare setting where you’ve scheduled the test.

Want to learn more?

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References

  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22306-cognitive-test
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22306-cognitive-test
  3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cognitive-testing/
  4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22306-cognitive-test
  5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22306-cognitive-test
  6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cognitive-testing/

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