Free Pencil & Paper Cognitive Function Tests
These free paper-based cognitive tests for Alzheimer’s, memory loss, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be administered in a home setting by an adult family member or friend. Be sure to carefully read test and scoring instructions before proceeding.
Worried about the memory health of someone close to you? Use the Alzheimer’s – Dementia Memory Loss Symptom Checklist to determine the probability of serious cognitive problems or memory loss.
(1) MIS Test – Memory Impairment Screen
The Memory Impairment Screen is a brief cognitive test for memory, delayed recall and verbal fluency. Scores equal to or less than 4 may indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer’s dementia. Be sure to carefully read the test scoring instructions.
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(2) Short Blessed Test – SBT. Also referred to as Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration (BOMC)
A short (< 10 minutes) cognitive test for memory, orientation, and concentration. Scores above 4 may indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer’s dementia. The SBT/BOMC, which is easily administered by a nonphysician, has been shown to discriminate among mild, moderate, and severe cognitive deficits.
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(3) MoCA Test – The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test
Developed by Dr Ziad S. Nasreddine MD, at McGill University in Canada, MoCA is a 15 minute test for memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial skills, and problem solving. Scores below 26 may indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer’s dementia. Be sure to also download the test scoring instructions.
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(4) SLUMS Test – The St Louis University Mental Status Test
Developed by the Division of Geriatric Medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine, SLUMS is a 15 minute cognitive test for memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial skills, and problem solving. Scores below 26 may indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer’s dementia. Be sure to read the test scoring instructions.
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(5) Mini-Cog Test
The Mini-Cog test is a 3-minute instrument to screen for cognitive impairment in older adults in primary care settings. The Mini-Cog uses a three-item recall test for memory and a simply scored clock-drawing test (CDT). See the test scoring instructions for information on normal & impaired results.
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(6) GP-COG Test
The GP-COG test was developed for use by general practitioners (primary care settings). The GP-COG tests memory, delayed recall, and a clock-drawing test (CDT). Scores less than 6 may indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer’s dementia. Be sure to carefully read the test scoring instructions.
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(7) SAGE Test – Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination
Developed by Dr. Douglas Scharre, Director of the Memory Disorders Research Center at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center. The SAGE cognitive test takes 15 minutes and includes memory, verbal fluency, reasoning, and visuospatial tests. Scores less than 17 may indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer’s dementia.
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Important Note and Medical Disclaimer: These tests cannot substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a trained medical professional. Providing this test information is not an intent to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice.
