How to Test a Person's Memory

You may remember playing that game in which you look at several objects on a table. Then, when the objects are covered up, you write down as many of them as you can remember. Entertaining as it is, this game is very similar to some of the exercises doctors use to test memory. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, characterized by a decline in memory. Evaluating memory function in patients usually begins with some simple cognitive tests.

Instructions

Three-Word Delayed Recall Exercise

• 1

  Administer a three-word delayed recall test, cited by the Alzheimer's Association as a way to identify patients who need a more thorough evaluation of memory function.

• 2

  Tell someone three nouns, such as dog, car and house. Ask him to repeat the words immediately.

• 3

  Ask him to recall the three words about five minutes later.

• 4

  Provide prompts, if necessary, such as, the first word is a house pet. If he can recall all three words, with or without prompts, he does not have memory problems. If he can only remember one or two words, the Alzheimer's Association recommends further testing.

Mini-Cog Test

• 5

  Give someone a "mini-cog" test that combines three-word recall with drawing a clock. This is a popular mental status test, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

• 6

  Tell someone three simple nouns, and ask her to repeat them.

• 7

  Ask her to draw the face of a clock, with the time showing "10 minutes past 11." The Alzheimer's Association stresses to specify "10 minutes past 11," not "eleven ten" or any other variation.

• 8

  Ask her to repeat the three nouns given at the beginning of the exercise, after she has drawn the clock.

• 9

  Evaluate the results of this test using the following guidelines, cited by the Alzheimer's Association. Repeating all three words correctly, she has no dementia; remembering none of the words, she needs more testing. If she remembers one or two of the words, look to the clock drawing for clues of memory loss. A normal clock indicates no sign of reduced memory function, while an abnormal clock points to the need for more testing. If she recalls all three words, but had problems drawing the clock face, she may need additional evaluation.

Coin-Counting Exercise

• 10

  Test memory using a coin-counting exercise--another way physicians identify memory problems.

• 11

  Ask this question: "If I give you a nickel, a quarter, a dime and a penny, how much money have I given you?" The Alzheimer's Association states that it is important to ask the question in the order stated, as it requires comprehension, working memory, planning and calculation skills.

• 12

  Listen for the correct answer of 41 cents. If she answers incorrectly, more thorough testing is recommended.

Recent and Past Memory Tests

• 13

  Test someone's recent and past memory by asking simple questions and administering a simple recall exercise. According to the National Institutes of Health, physicians commonly test recent and past memory as part of a larger mini-mental state examination.

• 14

  Ask someone about people, places or events that make up the recent happenings in his life, or in the world. Physicians look to these answers for clues about recent memory function during broader neurocognitive testing.

• 15

  Test recent memory with a variation of the three-word recall. Present three items to the person whom you are testing. Remove the items, and ask her to repeat them immediately. Five minutes later, ask her to recall them again. This test may be administered during the MMSE, according to the NIH.

• 16

  Test past memory by asking questions about an individual's childhood or other events that took place long ago. Physicians often use this line of questioning during the MMSE.

Self-Monitoring Memory Function

• 17

  Use these simple self-monitoring guidelines, recommended by the Alzheimer's Association, to keep track of memory function.

• 18

  Alz.org suggests keeping track of "Aha!" incidents that occur when you forget something, then remember it later. An example would be forgetting you had plans with a friend until the friend stops by your house. You should not be concerned if your reaction is, "Aha! Now, I remember we had plans!" Wondering why your friend has stopped by at all should raise concerns.

• 19

  Look for signs of memory loss that disrupt daily life. The Alzheimer's Association's "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease," include: forgetting recently learned information; forgetting important dates and events; repeatedly asking for the same information; relying on reminder notes and electronic devices for help in remembering; and relying on family members for help with things you used to handle on your own.