Cognitive test
An assessment of mental function. President Biden's refusal to take one has become a major political issue, sparking a debate on whether such tests should be mandatory for presidential candidates.
First Mentioned
1/4/2026, 3:39:16 AM
Last Updated
1/4/2026, 3:43:34 AM
Research Retrieved
1/4/2026, 3:43:34 AM
Summary
A cognitive test is a diagnostic tool used to assess mental functioning, including domains such as memory, attention, language, reasoning, and visuospatial ability. These tests, including the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) developed by Dr. Douglas Scharre at The Ohio State University, are primarily used to screen for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's, and dementia. In early 2024, the topic gained significant political attention in the United States following the release of Special Counsel Robert Hur's report. The report's descriptions of President Joe Biden's memory led to intense public debate regarding his fitness for office and his refusal to undergo a formal cognitive assessment as part of his medical evaluations.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
SAGE Developer
Dr. Douglas Scharre
Primary Function
Objectively assess mental functioning and cognitive domains
Cognitive Domains
Attention, memory, language, reasoning, and visuospatial ability
Target Demographic
Older adults during routine wellness checkups or individuals showing cognitive symptoms
Clinical Application
Detection of Alzheimer's, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Common Screening Tool
SAGE (Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam)
Timeline
- The Special Counsel's Hur report is released, containing descriptions of President Joe Biden's memory that spark a national debate over his cognitive health. (Source: Document b5abf73b-f30b-41b8-b4d1-f22b8ed1c816)
2024-02-08
- Public discussion and media analysis (e.g., All-In Podcast) focus on Biden's refusal to take a cognitive test and the resulting political implications. (Source: Document b5abf73b-f30b-41b8-b4d1-f22b8ed1c816)
2024-02-16
Web Search Results
- Cognitive Test: What It Is, What It Tests, Types & Results
A cognitive test checks for problems with your mental functioning (cognition). The test involves answering basic questions and performing simple tasks.
- What is a Cognitive Test? Practical Resources for ...
Cognitive tests serve as critical diagnostic and monitoring tools, enabling medical professionals to objectively assess a patient's cognitive functions.
- SAGE: A Test to Detect Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia
## Download the SAGE test. More about the SAGE test. Get information about how to administer and interpret the SAGE test as a physician. ## Learn more about the SAGE test on Ohio State Health & Discovery. Hear from Douglas Scharre, MD, who developed the test with his team at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center about the SAGE test. ## Why take the SAGE test? ### How to take the SAGE test. There are four forms of the SAGE test. The SAGE test was developed by Dr. Scharre at Ohio State and licensed to BrainTest. There are four forms of the SAGE test. Examinees who download SAGE from the Internet and take it at home are instructed to bring their completed test to their primary care physician. ## The science behind the SAGE test. Examinees who download SAGE from the Internet and take it at home are instructed to bring their completed test to their primary care physician.
- What Happens During a Cognitive Assessment?
* Cognitive assessments are tests of a person’s thinking ability in specific, defined areas of thinking, including attention, memory, language, reasoning, and visuospatial ability. * Cognitive assessments can be repeated over time, either to monitor for change over time or to investigate reported changes in thinking ability. The testing examines a person’s thinking ability in specific, defined cognitive domains. Most initial cognitive assessments are completed using one of several standard screening tests. Screening cognitive tests usually have ultra-short assessments of the various types of thinking. ## **What Insights Will a Sunday Health Cognitive Assessment Provide About My Cognitive Abilities?** * **Overall cognitive status**: The testing gathers data about your general thinking abilities.
- Cognitive Tests: Why You Need One, What They Are, ...
# What Is a Cognitive Test? ## Why Would I Need Cognitive Testing? Older people will routinely receive cognitive tests during wellness checkups because they're more at risk for conditions that cause cognitive impairments. People of all ages can receive cognitive testing though, and not all symptoms and conditions that lead to cognitive impairment are caused by age.****. Cognitive tests show whether you have cognitive impairment or not. ## What Do Cognitive Tests Show? Cognitive testing doesn't show what condition you have that could be causing cognitive impairment or even how severe your cognitive impairment could be. Instead, it indicates whether or not you need more testing to better understand what could be causing any cognitive impairment that you're experiencing. This test is the best for finding mild cognitive impairment. If your test results indicate that you are not at a standard level of cognitive functioning, you likely have a condition that affects your memory or your brain.