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Cognitive Impairment Tests, Explained

Not all confusion and forgetfulness is dementia, but they can be warning signs, and some widely used assessments can help spot trouble.
Neural network brain
A photo illustration shows the neural network of the brain. (Getty Creative Images)

President Joe Biden’s unsteady debate performance against Donald Trump last month has focused attention on his advancing age and prompted questions about whether he is mentally fit for a second term. At the same press conference earlier this month at which the 81-year-old Biden referred to his vice president as “Vice President Trump,” a reporter asked the president whether he would be willing to take a test of his mental acuity.

Charles Horton is an anesthesiologist who loves both the art and the science of medicine.

More on Joe Biden's Age

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