topic Re: Cognitive tests in Community Chat

Cognitive tests

zitawins — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:27:50 GMT

I think I flunked my cognitive test at the doctor's yesterday. I was in for a checkup and other issues. Since 70 is way back in my rearview mirror, the nurse asked me a couple questions. Could I remember three words after a pause (I did two) and draw a clock and mark time (that was ok but I got "mark 11:10" wrong). In my defense, she really wasn't clear about what she wanted.

Anyway, I wanted to tell her I'm really all right mentally! I write books and publish on Kindle; I set up my printer and connected it to the computer; I'm on Instagram; I am developing my new website without help, etc. etc.

Anyone else have an experience like mine?

Re: Cognitive tests

BalletBabe — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:36:21 GMT

@zitawins wrote:
I think I flunked my cognitive test at the doctor's yesterday. I was in for a checkup and other issues. Since 70 is way back in my rearview mirror, the nurse asked me a couple questions. Could I remember three words after a pause (I did two) and draw a clock and mark time (that was ok but I got "mark 11:10" wrong). In my defense, she really wasn't clear about what she wanted.

Anyway, I wanted to tell her I'm really all right mentally! I write books and publish on Kindle; I set up my printer and connected it to the computer; I'm on Instagram; I am developing my new website without help, etc. etc.

Anyone else have an experience like mine?

@zitawins You must have been in for a wellness? I refuse those tests. I told them, I will let them know when I am senile. LOL

Re: Cognitive tests

tessam — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:41:24 GMT

Of course it is unsettling to feel concerned about this. Your doctor should review ANY results with you. If s/he has not, do call and ask about it. Feel free to express your concerns as well. When my dad had some baseline cognitive testing in NYC one of the questions he was asked was "What borough is Manhattan in?" His response was "Borough? I'm from Connecticut. We don't have boroughs. I have no idea." That was "counted" as an "incorrect" response. LOL. Don't be too exercised about this, but I do encourage you to put a call in to your doctor. Good luck!

Re: Cognitive tests

Janey2 — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:51:55 GMT

Were you nervous because you were at the doctor's? When I go I don't even know my name. As long as you are in contact with people and do not have any trouble communicating forget about it.

Re: Cognitive tests

violann — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:58:19 GMT

There are some screening skills I've NEVER been able to do.- "Repeat these 11 digits BACKWARDS from memory".

(You're kidding, right?)

I know how I learn, and I know my deficits.

Zitawins, stress only makes your "performance" worse. Talk to your doctor, do language based puzzles, learn to play the tuba (my favorite mentall stimulating pastime) and eat the best diet you can.

Re: Cognitive tests

Vivian — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:04:04 GMT

My mother took a cognitive test 30 years ago, just before her 70th birthday. She couldn't remember all five words after several minutes and thought her brain was shot. She is now approaching her 100th birthday, still has most of her marbles, but still worries about her cognitive health.

My husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2015, thinks he still has all his cognitive abilities intact. He definitely does not. He cannot remember anything that happened more than ten seconds ago, does not know what year it is, who is the President, or how old he is. It's heartbreaking, but one thing I've learned is that aging is a very individual process. It takes more than drawing hands on a clock to determine if someone is developing dementia.

Re: Cognitive tests

mspatmac — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:18:58 GMT

@zitawins Sounds like you were surprised with a 'pop quiz" and perhaps got a bit anxious. As far back as high school they freaked me out and I'd go blank.

You write and publish books, connect electronics, on social media and developing a web site, chances are you run rings around the nurse. You are remarkable with 70 being in your review mirror. That counts a lot more than forgetting 1 word! Sounds to me that you're more than OK.

Re: Cognitive tests

Harpa — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:20:51 GMT

They got a lot of nerve about that clock test! There are 7 digital clocks (counting our 2 phones) in our house, compared to only 5 analog clocks.

My DM had to undergo such a test; the clock, etc. Her memory test was 10 items.

If I am not paying attention, I get confused where I parked my car!

With all that you do, I just wouldn't worry about it!

Re: Cognitive tests

Etoile308 — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:29:24 GMT

I think it's good to have a cognitive test. Having a baseline in all aspects of our health I view as a good thing. Especially since there are advancements in medicine every day.

@zitawins, it's understandable that the test took you by surprise. If there were concerns I'm sure it would have been discussed and exercises would have been suggested.

I wonder how long that clock test will be viable. In this digital world, I know someone with a master's degree who is unable to read an analog clock.

Re: Cognitive tests

teganslaw — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:10:06 GMT

I think using a clock test would be irrelevant in today's world. They shouldn't use it anymore as it's not important with most everything being digital. I wouldn't even consider the result of such a test.

Re: Cognitive tests

spent2much — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:20:06 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me about the things I forget. But, then again, I'm amazed at the things I remember... especially when others don't. I had that "memory test" at a doctor's office years ago. I was a nervous wreck! I concentrated and got all the right answers. If a doctor's office tries to pull that on me again, I will refuse!

Re: Cognitive tests

On It — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:27:26 GMT

These questions are unsettling. My last visit had the following: About what time is it? What is today's date? Then I was asked to count backwards from 100 by 7. (I'll bet there are many 20 year olds who cannot do that.) Starting with December, name the months backwards. I was given three words to remember before the counting and the months. About 4 years ago, the nurse gave me a man's name, his street address, and his city and state. I was asked to repeat that at the end of the other questions. I have not been asked to do that recently. I guess that one was a bit too much for a lot of people.

As far as our performance on these things, I don't think a blip or two is a problem. I wouldn't worry about a mistake or two. Someone with diminished capacity is going to stumble on many items and probably frustrate out of the test entirely. They may be charting gradual declines year-to-year, but next time you may improve and get 100%.

Re: Cognitive tests

cindyNC — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:04:55 GMT

I have flunked them twice in my life. I think they are a good diagnostic tool if you have a good doctor.

The first time it turned out to be a vitamin B deficiency. The doctor first assumed it was menopause related, gave me hormones, and then I ended up with 2 estrogen related lumps in my breasts.

The second time, I knew I was making very obvious misktakes driving and recalling words, etc. and flunked the draw a clock test in my primary's office. I went to a neurologist where I passed all the tests, had a normal brain CT scan, and the concensus was it was lack of sleep related to stress. When I was younger, getting by on 3 hours of sleep a night was very doable, but not in my 60s.

Re: Cognitive tests

on the bay — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:35:10 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
Were you nervous because you were at the doctor's? When I go I don't even know my name. As long as you are in contact with people and do not have any trouble communicating forget about it.

@Janey2,

That's so funny I always say if you remember your name, you're doing ok, and there might be days... that you don't know that.

When I fly, I forget what state I'm in.

@zitawins,

I'm sure I wouldn't have passed years ago just because my 98 year old mother did better than me remembering those string of words.

I think I just have too many more important things running around in my head and it seems like you do too!

I say bah humbug to those tests!

My sister has to name 20 names before she gets her kids right name and she's been like that forever.

Re: Cognitive tests

Sooner — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:48:23 GMT

The Doctor: Mr X, who is your president?

My Dad (some years back): Harry S. Truman

Looks of concern in the room.

The Doctor: Mr. X, have you ever heard of Ronald Regan?

My dad: Yes

The Doctor: Well who is he?

Dad: The President

Doc: But that's not what you said a minute ago.

Mr. X: You didn't ask me that a minute ago. You asked me who was MY president.

Test passed.

Re: Cognitive tests

Scooby Doo — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:05:20 GMT

I've had that cognitive test twice and passed both times. I decided that if they want to do it again I'll refuse. Time better spent on real issues.

Re: Cognitive tests

Gorgf — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:26:27 GMT

@Scooby Doo Gosh , I have it every year so far, three times now. The Pre-Doctor meeting with the RN. I thought it was Medicare requirement for the annual physical? Just seems stupid, especially the clock and I'd wonder if I spaced out those numbers correctly?

The nurse I had two times retired and the new one was young and could not relate to me as a Senior. She didn't get it that many older women get up often to urinate. I do drink alot of water during the day. Told me two hydrochlorathiazide a day was too many as a water pill for high blood pressure. She is not my Dr. She went on about weight. No clue to aging. I felt like telling her to give her Sermon to half the staff I noticed that are overweight. I take very little medication and walk daily several miles.

Re: Cognitive tests

BoopOMatic — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:32:08 GMT

Unless a person complains of an impairment, why are they even doing them? I see it's for people on Medicaid. Unless there has been a problem it seems like a bunch of wasted time to me.

Re: Cognitive tests

chlema — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:41:46 GMT

My first test was last year. Had to remember 3 words and after 10 minutes repeat them. Apple, table, penny. Then draw the clock, put in the numbers, draw the hands at 2:45. Then I had to walk the length of the exam room, about 6' as fast as I could. This year when she was about to give me 3 words I said apple, table, penny but oh no, remembering them after a year not good enough. Gave me new ones, baby, kitchen, village. The circle was already printed, just had to do the rest. Repeat the "fast" walk. So maybe next year I'll throw the 6 words at her and say I'm done.

Re: Cognitive tests

cotton4me — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:33:57 GMT

I haven’t had this as part of a wellness exam. However, those are the types of questions they asked when I applied to move into the independent section of a continuing care community.