Cognitive (IQ Assessments)
What Is a Cognitive Assessment?
Cognition is defined as the state or processes of being able to properly comprehend and judge reality. Cognitive tests are used to evaluate if you have any cognitive difficulties, commonly known as cognitive impairment. These tests aren’t used to diagnose cognitive issues. Instead, they assist your doctor in determining whether you need more tests or whether you have any cognitive issues.
Why Would I Need Cognitive Testing?
Because older adults are more at risk for illnesses that cause cognitive deficits, cognitive testing will be routinely administered at wellness exams. Many of the causative disorders can be treated or slowed down if detected early, thus older persons should be examined on a regular basis. This is especially true for persons suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, cognitive testing is available to people of all ages, and not all symptoms and diseases that contribute to cognitive impairment are caused by age.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek cognitive testing:
- Not being able to recall appointments or social gatherings
- Frequently misplacing items in your home and asking the same questions
- Understanding or remembering movies or TV shows is difficult
- Making lists because you’re having trouble digesting information that’s been given to you
- Forgetting important details from your past
- Getting misplaced
Cognitive tests determine whether or whether you have a cognitive impairment. Many factors can contribute to cognitive impairment, including:
- Medication’s unwelcome side effects
- Diseases of the blood vessels
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Thyroid illness is a condition that affects the thyroid gland
- Deficiencies in vitamins
- Sleep disturbances
Source:
WebMD