Understand Cognitive Screening and Assessment
Cognitive assessment tools help professionals evaluate different aspects of thinking and functioning, including memory, attention, language, executive functioning, reasoning, and visuospatial abilities.
Brief cognitive screening tools can help identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation. However, no single brief screening tool is appropriate for every person, and a screening result alone does not establish a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that people who have concerning results on brief screening should receive further evaluation or referral as appropriate.
Important: The resources below are provided for educational and professional reference purposes. CheckMyCognition does not reproduce or modify proprietary assessment instruments. Always follow the applicable administration, training, copyright, licensing, and professional-use requirements for each instrument.
Patient Cognitive Screening Tools
General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG)
The GPCOG is a brief cognitive screening tool designed for use in primary care and is available in multiple languages. It includes components that can be used to assess cognitive concerns and, where necessary, gather additional information from an informant.
Learn more about GPCOG:
See the Alzheimer’s Association resource:
Alzheimer’s Association – Cognitive Assessment Tools
For professionals: Review the official instructions and applicable requirements before using GPCOG in clinical or research settings.
Mini-Cog™
The Mini-Cog is a brief cognitive screening approach that combines a short memory recall task with a clock-drawing component. It can help identify individuals who may need further cognitive evaluation.
Official Mini-Cog resources:
Learn more:
Alzheimer’s Association – Cognitive Assessment Tools
Important: Check the official Mini-Cog website for current permissions and requirements before using the instrument, particularly for commercial, research, educational, or translated applications.
Memory Impairment Screen (MIS)
The Memory Impairment Screen is a brief screening approach designed to assess memory.
The Alzheimer’s Association includes MIS among its patient cognitive assessment resources.
Learn more:
Alzheimer’s Association Cognitive Assessment Resources
Informant & Family Assessment Tools
Sometimes the person experiencing cognitive changes may not recognize or accurately report the changes themselves.
Information from a family member, caregiver, or close friend can therefore be valuable when understanding changes in memory and everyday functioning.
AD8 – Informant Interview
The AD8 is an informant-based questionnaire designed to gather information about changes that may help distinguish normal ageing from cognitive impairment.
It is completed by someone who knows the individual well.
Learn more:
Alzheimer’s Association – AD8 & Cognitive Assessment Tools
GPCOG – Informant Component
GPCOG can also incorporate information from an informant when additional information is needed.
Official GPCOG Website:
Short IQCODE
The Short Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (Short IQCODE) is an informant-based questionnaire designed to assess perceived cognitive change over time.
The Alzheimer’s Association lists the Short IQCODE among its informant resources and links to the Australian National University resource.
Learn more:
Australian National University – IQCODE Resources
Alzheimer’s Association resource:
Alzheimer’s Association – Cognitive Assessment Tools
What Is the Difference Between Screening and Assessment?
Cognitive Screening
A brief screening may help identify whether a person could benefit from more detailed evaluation.
Comprehensive Cognitive Assessment
A professional cognitive assessment can provide a more detailed understanding of an individual’s cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty.
Depending on the individual’s concerns, age, history, and functional status, an assessment may consider:
- Memory
- Attention
- Concentration
- Language
- Executive functioning
- Reasoning
- Problem-solving
- Processing speed
- Visuospatial abilities
- Orientation
- Everyday functioning
Medical Evaluation
Where dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, neurological illness, medication effects, mood-related difficulties, or another medical condition is suspected, additional medical evaluation may be appropriate.
Screening → Further Assessment → Appropriate Clinical Evaluation
Commonly Discussed Cognitive Assessment Tools
CheckMyCognition also provides educational information about other commonly used assessment approaches.
MMSE
(Mini-Mental State Examination)
Learn about its purpose, cognitive domains, uses, and limitations.
MoCA
(Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
Learn about this cognitive screening instrument and the areas of cognition it evaluates.
ACE-III
(Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III)
Trail Making Test
Clock Drawing Test
Functional Assessment
Cognitive health should also be considered alongside everyday functioning.
Explore:
- Activities of Daily Living
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
- Functional independence
- Changes in everyday activities
Patient Tools vs Informant Tools
Patient / Individual
These tools involve the person experiencing the cognitive concern.
Examples include:
- GPCOG
- Mini-Cog
- Memory Impairment Screen
Family / Informant
These tools gather information from someone who knows the individual well.
Examples include:
- AD8
- Short IQCODE
- GPCOG Informant Component
Informant information can be particularly useful when family members have noticed changes that the individual may not recognize.
Which Cognitive Assessment Is Right for You?
There is no single cognitive screening tool that is best for every person. Tool selection depends on the individual’s age, education, language, cultural background, presenting concerns, clinical setting, and the purpose of the assessment. The Alzheimer’s Association similarly notes that no single brief tool is recognized as universally best for determining whether a full dementia evaluation is needed.
A qualified professional can help determine which assessment approach is appropriate.
Not sure what you need?
For Families & Caregivers
You do not need to know which cognitive test to choose before seeking help.
If you have noticed:
- Increasing forgetfulness
- Repeated questions
- Difficulty remembering recent events
- Confusion
- Difficulty finding words
- Changes in judgement
- Difficulty managing familiar activities
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Increasing dependence on others
you can discuss your concerns with a qualified professional.
For Professionals
CheckMyCognition is being developed as a professional platform for psychologists and other professionals working in cognitive health, ageing, dementia care, rehabilitation, and related areas.
Our professional resource section will include:
- Cognitive assessment information
- Assessment guides
- Research resources
- Professional education
- Report-writing resources
- Training opportunities
- Research collaboration
- Professional networking
Are You a Psychologist or Healthcare Professional?
Join the CheckMyCognition Professional Network →
External Cognitive Assessment Resources
For professionals and users who want to explore additional authoritative resources, we recommend reviewing the following:
Alzheimer’s Association – Cognitive Assessment Tools
The Alzheimer’s Association provides information about patient and informant cognitive screening tools and emphasizes the importance of further evaluation when screening indicates concern.
Visit Alzheimer’s Association Cognitive Assessment Tools
Alzheimer’s Association – Cognitive Screening & Assessment
A broader professional resource covering cognitive screening, assessment, referral considerations, and related clinical resources.
Visit Cognitive Screening & Assessment
Alzheimer’s Association – Cognitive Assessment Toolkit
A professional toolkit containing an assessment algorithm and information about brief cognitive and informant assessment approaches.
View the Cognitive Assessment Toolkit
Alzheimer’s Association – Dementia Care Planning Resources
Additional resources include care-planning, safety, caregiver, and patient-support materials.
Explore Dementia Care Planning Resources
Take the Next Step
Concerned About Your Memory or Cognitive Health?
Online resources can help you learn more, but they cannot replace a professional assessment.
If you or someone you care for has persistent or worsening concerns about memory, thinking, behaviour, or everyday functioning, consider speaking with a qualified professional.
Understand Your Cognition. Take the Right Next Step.
Important Information
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical or psychological diagnosis, treatment, or professional advice.
Cognitive screening tools are not diagnostic on their own. A person with concerning screening results may require a more comprehensive assessment and, where appropriate, medical evaluation.
CheckMyCognition does not claim that any single cognitive screening instrument is suitable for every individual. Assessment selection and interpretation should be performed by an appropriately qualified professional.
Always check the official source of an assessment instrument for current administration, training, copyright, licensing, translation, and commercial-use requirements before using it.