A simple pen and paper exercise could help identify early signs of cognitive decline long before more serious symptoms appear.
The test is straightforward. Set a timer for one minute and write down as many items as possible from a single category, such as animals, fruits, or TV shows. Researchers have found that this type of word generation task can provide valuable insight into brain function and memory performance.
Health experts say most people should be able to list at least 15 items within the minute, while scores above 20 are generally considered a positive sign. Struggling to reach that mark may indicate the need for further assessment, although the test alone cannot diagnose conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
The exercise has been used by medical professionals for years as a quick way to assess cognitive function, and growing research suggests it may help detect subtle changes in thinking and memory at an earlier stage. Early detection can be important, as it allows people to seek medical advice and access support sooner if concerns arise.
The idea is based on what’s known as a semantic verbal fluency test, which researchers have studied as a potential early indicator of cognitive decline.
