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 TestDementia education on this page means short cognitive screening demos plus plain-language context. They support conversations with clinicians—they do not diagnose dementia.
How it works
Pick a task below and complete it in your browser. Most take only a few minutes. Read each instruction carefully, work at a comfortable pace, and note any on-screen score or feedback when you finish. You may repeat a task another day to see how your performance varies—day-to-day fluctuation is common and does not, by itself, mean something is wrong.
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-Assessment- ✔ No signup required
- ✔ Free and accessible
- ✔ Educational use only
How it works
This dementia screening hub links educational tasks—Mini-Cog walkthrough, clock drawing, word recall, and a self-reflection questionnaire—that mirror topics clinicians may discuss.
What it measures
This dementia education hub samples memory recall, visuospatial skills, attention, and self-reported function through short cognitive screening tasks—for learning, not diagnosis.
Research context
Research suggests combined brief screening approaches can help identify people who may benefit from professional evaluation, especially when symptoms persist. Studies commonly use Mini-Cog, clock drawing, and questionnaires in research and clinic workflows, always with clinician interpretation.
Our tools adapt those ideas for education. Methodology and limitations.
What results mean
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Does a low score mean dementia?
No. Many factors affect performance. Screening flags topics for discussion with a clinician—it does not diagnose dementia.
What is the difference between screening and diagnosis?
Screening is a brief check of thinking skills. Diagnosis requires medical history, exams, and professional interpretation.
Can I prepare for a doctor visit using this hub?
Yes, for education. Note which tasks felt difficult and how long symptoms have lasted. Bring questions—not self-diagnoses—to your appointment.
References
When to seek professional evaluation
Persistent or worsening cognitive changes should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Sudden confusion, difficulty with familiar tasks, repeated safety concerns, or changes that worry family members also deserve timely medical advice.
These pages are for education only. A clinician can review medications, mood, sleep, labs, and formal testing when appropriate. Medical disclaimer · Our methodology.
Last reviewed: May 2026