What are the 3 words on a memory test?

The words on a memory test, especially the popular Mini-Cog, vary but often include common, unrelated nouns like "apple, penny, table" or "banana, sunrise, chair," used to test immediate and delayed recall, part of quick cognitive screening for dementia or mild cognitive impairment.


What are the three words for the medicare test?

The three words commonly used in Medicare cognitive tests (part of the Mini-Cog screening) are often "banana, sunrise, chair," but other sets like "apple, penny, table" are also used, testing short-term memory and cognitive function during wellness visits. These words are part of a quick assessment, alongside drawing a clock, to help detect potential mild cognitive impairment, say doctors. 

What three words do doctors ask you to remember?

Doctors use common, unrelated words like "banana, sunrise, chair" or "apple, penny, table" for the Mini-Cog memory test to check short-term recall, often after a distraction like drawing a clock, to screen for cognitive issues like dementia. These aren't fixed; other word lists exist (e.g., "sock, blue, bed," "village"), but the purpose is always testing memory. 


How is the 3 word memory recall test scored?

The Modified Mini-Mental State (3MS) test

In the MMSE, recent memory is assessed by requesting recall of three words after the participant is asked to do five serial subtractions or to spell a five-letter word backwards; only unaided recall is assessed, and correct recall of each word is given a score of 1.

Why did my psychiatrist ask me to remember three words?

This is a common practice! It's to make sure you are present with reality and to test your memory and cognitive function!! All of my Psychiatrists and Therapists over the years have done this!


Three word recall test



What are the three words to remember for the Medicare Wellness Exam 2025?

For your 2025 Medicare Wellness Visit, the three words to remember for the cognitive test are often "banana, sunrise, chair," though your doctor might use another set from the Mini-Cog test, like "apple, penny, table" or "leader, season, table," all designed to check memory, followed by a clock-drawing task. 

How to remember words for memory test?

Simple memory tips and tricks
  1. Try to understand the information first. Information that is organized and makes sense to you is easier to memorize. ...
  2. Link it. ...
  3. Sleep on it. ...
  4. Self-test. ...
  5. Use distributed practice. ...
  6. Write it out. ...
  7. Create meaningful groups. ...
  8. Use mnemonics.


What words are used in a memory test?

Word Presentation: The examiner presents five unrelated words to the individual. These words are chosen to be common and easily understood, such as “apple,” “table,” “penny,” “carpet,” and “watch.” Immediate Recall: Immediately after presenting the words, the examiner asks the individual to repeat the words back.


What are the three most commonly prescribed drugs for dementia?

The three most commonly prescribed dementia medications are Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), and Galantamine (Razadyne), all Cholinesterase Inhibitors that help with cognitive symptoms, with Memantine (Namenda) also very common, often used with them for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's. Donepezil treats all stages, while rivastigmine and galantamine are for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's, with the patch form of rivastigmine used for all stages. 

What is one of the first signs of cognitive decline?

Signs of MCI include losing things often, forgetting to go to important events or appointments, and having more trouble coming up with words than other people of the same age. It's common for family and friends to notice these changes.

What vitamin cuts dementia risk by 40%?

A large study found that older adults who took vitamin D had a 40% lower chance of developing dementia than those who didn't. You can get vitamin D from food like fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified milk.


What is the quick memory test for seniors?

Common short-term memory tests for seniors include the simple 5-Word Memory Test (recall five words after a delay) and the more comprehensive Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE), which assesses various cognitive functions at home, plus drawing tests like the Clock-Drawing Test. These tests help detect early cognitive decline by checking immediate recall, delayed recall, and overall thinking skills, but professional evaluation is key for diagnosis. 

How to use 100% of your brain power?

10 tips to improve brain function and memory capacity
  1. Keep learning. ...
  2. Grab a good book. ...
  3. Get a good night's rest. ...
  4. Spend your free time wisely. ...
  5. Practice positive affirmations. ...
  6. Build an exercise routine. ...
  7. Stay active socially. ...
  8. Be creative.


What is the five word cognitive test?

The 5-word cognitive test is a quick screening tool where you hear five random words (like apple, chair, ocean, book, clock), repeat them back immediately, get distracted for a few minutes (counting backward), and then recall the words again, assessing short-term memory, attention, and delayed recall for signs of cognitive issues like mild dementia. 


Can you refuse the Medicare memory test?

A cognitive test is not mandatory for Medicare beneficiaries, but it is an included feature of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). If a person has Medicare Part B and has been enrolled for at least 12 months, their AWV includes a brief cognitive screening to assess memory and thinking abilities.

What are the three words for mini cog?

The Mini-Cog test uses different sets of three words, but common examples include Apple, Watch, Penny, or Banana, Sunrise, Chair, or Leader, Season, Table, with the specific words chosen from validated lists to test immediate and delayed recall as part of a quick dementia screening, notes SoNE HEALTH, Dementia Care Central, Clinical Correlations and PsychU. 

What is the miracle drug for dementia?

Donanemab, like lecanemab, is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. Antibodies form part of our immune system and bind to harmful proteins to destroy them. Donanemab contains antibodies that bind to a protein called amyloid, which builds up in the brain in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.


What are the 10 warning signs of dementia?

10 of the most common warning signs are shown below and depicted in the infographic:
  • Memory loss.
  • Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
  • Problems with language.
  • Disorientation to time and place.
  • Poor or decreased judgement.
  • Problems keeping track of things.
  • Misplacing things.
  • Changes in mood and behaviour.


What are four drugs increasing the risk of dementia?

The study found that people had a higher risk for dementia if they took:
  • Antidepressants,
  • Antiparkinson drugs,
  • Antipsychotics,
  • Antimuscarinics (Used to treat an overactive bladder), and.
  • Antiepileptic drugs.


How to memorize a list of words?

To memorize word lists, use mnemonic devices like the Memory Palace (placing items in a familiar route), Peg System (rhyming numbers with objects), or creating bizarre stories/images to link words, alongside proven learning strategies like active recall, chunking (grouping words), spaced repetition, and self-testing, focusing on sensory details and meaningful connections for better retention.
 


Why did my doctor ask me to remember three words?

A health care provider might recite three words, then ask the patient to repeat them to gauge attention and short-term learning. A few minutes later, the patient may be asked to recall those words again.

How to memorize words super fast?

A popular way to memorize vocabulary is the use of mnemonics, which are mental shortcuts that help you remember more complex concepts or words. For example, you can create associations between words: If you don't know how to spell the words accommodation, just remember that it has two cots that need two mattresses.

What happens if you fail the 3 word memory test?

Failing the 3-word memory test (part of screening tools like the Mini-Cog) doesn't automatically mean dementia; it signals a need for further evaluation by a doctor, as it points to potential short-term memory issues that could stem from treatable conditions like depression, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies, or could be an early sign of cognitive decline, requiring more in-depth neurological testing for diagnosis. 


What foods improve memory?

To improve memory, eat foods rich in omega-3s (fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds), antioxidants (berries, dark chocolate, leafy greens, turmeric), and complex carbs (whole grains) for sustained energy, along with B vitamins (leafy greens, legumes) and Vitamin K, to support brain function, reduce inflammation, and provide steady glucose for brain cells, while limiting processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.