Thinking Changes Checklist
Cognitive ability can only be measured with standardised tests given by a professional. This page does not estimate a "cognitive age". It asks whether you've noticed changes and counts habits linked with brain health. For risk factors, see the Brain Health Habit Score.
Before you start
Method : Thinking Changes Checklist — a custom points score written by this site. Each answer adds or subtracts the points shown in the Methodology table below.
Validation : Unvalidated. The points have never been tested against any laboratory measurement or health outcome, and the result is not an age.
Review : not reviewed by a qualified clinician. Educational only — not a diagnosis or a medical test.
If memory or thinking problems are getting worse or affecting daily life, see a GP. Sudden confusion is an emergency.
Your answers stay in this browser tab; nothing is sent or stored.
Answer the questions, then press Calculate score.
How to Use This Calculator
- Answer each question.
- Press Calculate score.
- Read the breakdown and suggestions.
Methodology & assumptions
Your score is the sum of the points below. The weights are our own judgement. The old version added made-up years for self-rated mental maths, reaction time, multitasking, puzzles and decision-making and gave a "cognitive age". Self-ratings aren't measurements, so they were removed with the age output.
| Factor | Answer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Forgetting recent conversations or appointments | Rarely | 0 |
| Sometimes | +1 | |
| More than before | +2 | |
| Losing focus on tasks you used to manage | Rarely | 0 |
| Sometimes | +1 | |
| More than before | +2 | |
| Sleep per night | Under 6 hours | +1 |
| 6 hours or more | 0 | |
| Physical activity | 3+ days a week | 0 |
| 1–2 days a week | 0 | |
| Little or none | +1 | |
| Contact with friends or family | Most weeks | 0 |
| Rarely | +1 | |
| Learning something new or mentally demanding hobbies | Often | 0 |
| Sometimes | 0 | |
| Rarely | +1 |
Worked examples
Forgetting more than before, losing focus more than before, under 6 h sleep, little activity, rarely sees people, rarely learns new things: 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = +8 points.
No changes noticed, 7 h sleep, active, regular contact, learns new things: 0 points.
Understanding your result
This counts changes and habits you reported. It is not a cognitive test, not a dementia screen and not an age. Health-agency guidance linked below is general and based on populations, not on this score.
Sources & further reading
- NHS. Dementia symptoms and diagnosis.
- Livingston G, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. Lancet 2024;404(10452):572-628.
The points table is our own convention and is not taken from these sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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