Immediate and working memory
Immediate memory is how well you take in new information and recall it straight away. Working memory is holding information in mind while you use it, such as when you follow a set of steps.
Cognitive test · Singapore
Cognitive test: a digital check of memory and attention.
The Neurowyzr Cognitive Test is about 15–20 minutes of puzzle-like tasks on a tablet or computer. It checks memory, attention and planning. It is not a diagnosis, and a doctor goes through the results with you.
What is a cognitive test?
A snapshot of how you think today, explained by a doctor.
A cognitive test is a short set of tasks that checks how well you take in and remember information, stay focused, and plan and solve problems. At Fusion Medical, we use the Neurowyzr Cognitive Test: about 15–20 minutes of puzzle-like tasks on a tablet or computer. It is a screening test, not a diagnosis, and a doctor goes through your results with you.
The test looks at four areas: immediate memory, working memory, attention and executive function, which covers planning and problem-solving. Neurowyzr suggests it for people over 30, and for anyone with forgetfulness or brain fog, a family history of brain-related disease, or diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It sits alongside a consultation, in which your doctor asks about your health, sleep, mood and medicines.
A score is a snapshot of one day. Tiredness, stress, low mood, illness and some medicines can affect it, and changes in memory have many causes, some of them treatable. If your results or symptoms need a closer look, your doctor may suggest blood tests, a repeat test later or a referral to a specialist or memory clinic.
- About 15–20 minutes — puzzle-like tasks on a tablet or computer
- Four areas — immediate and working memory, attention and planning
- Screening, not diagnosis — a low score needs a doctor's assessment
- Doctor review — scores read with your history and symptoms
What it checks
What does the cognitive test look at?
The tasks look at four areas of thinking that you use every day. Each area has its own score, so your doctor can see which parts of your thinking may need a closer look. The test does not look at the brain itself: it is not a brain scan or a blood test.
Attention and focus
How well you concentrate on a task and stay with it, rather than being pulled off track by distractions.
Planning and problem-solving
Executive function covers planning, organising, solving problems and switching between tasks: the skills that help you manage a busy day.
An overall score and one for each area
The report gives an overall score and a score for each area. Your doctor reads it with your history, symptoms and medicines, and explains what it means for you.
Who it's for
Who might consider a cognitive test?
Neurowyzr suggests the test for people over 30 and for the groups below. Whether it is useful for you is a decision you make with your doctor.
Sudden confusion, slurred speech or weakness? Call 995.
-
Forgetfulness or brain fog
You, or people close to you, have noticed changes in your memory or focus.
-
A family history
A parent, brother or sister with dementia or another brain-related condition.
-
Diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol
Neurowyzr includes people living with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
-
Perimenopause and menopause
Forgetfulness and brain fog can come with perimenopause, and your doctor takes this into account.
Your test, step by step
Consult. Test. Review. Plan.
-
Consult
Book an appointment. Your doctor asks about your memory, health, sleep, mood and medicines, and checks whether the test suits you.
-
Test
You complete about 15–20 minutes of puzzle-like tasks on a tablet or computer, somewhere quiet.
-
Review
The report goes to your doctor, who goes through your scores with you.
-
Plan
Together you agree any next steps, such as blood tests, a repeat test later or a referral to a specialist or memory clinic.
Safety & expectations
A score is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a diagnosis.
Bring a list of your medicines and any earlier test results, and tell us what you or your family have noticed. If memory changes come on suddenly, or come with confusion, weakness or slurred speech, seek urgent care rather than waiting for a test.
Neurowyzr Cognitive Test: frequently asked questions
Where can I take a cognitive test in Singapore?
Fusion Medical offers the Neurowyzr Cognitive Test at Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, alongside a consultation with one of our doctors. The doctor checks that the test suits you, arranges it and goes through the report with you. Visits are by appointment, a female doctor is always available, and fees are confirmed when you book.
Is the Neurowyzr Cognitive Test a dementia test?
No. It is a screening test of memory, attention and planning, and Neurowyzr states that it is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis. A low score can have many causes. Diagnosing dementia needs a fuller assessment, which may include a specialist review, a cognitive and language assessment, blood tests and a brain scan. If you need one, your doctor refers you.
What does the test involve?
The test, which Neurowyzr calls its Digital Brain Function Screen, is a series of short, puzzle-like tasks on a tablet or computer. It takes about 15–20 minutes and looks at immediate memory, working memory, attention and executive function. There are no needles and no scans. Do it somewhere quiet, and tell us if you are not used to tablets or have trouble with your eyesight.
Who should consider a cognitive test?
Neurowyzr suggests the test for people over 30, and for anyone who has noticed forgetfulness or brain fog, has a family history of brain-related disease, or has diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Whether it suits you is decided with your doctor. If memory problems already affect your daily life, see a doctor for a full assessment rather than relying on a screening test.
What does the report show?
The report gives an overall score and a score for each area tested. Your doctor reads it with your history, symptoms, sleep, mood and medicines, and explains what the scores mean for you. A score reflects how you did on one day, so your doctor may suggest repeating the test later to compare.
What happens if my score is low?
A low score is not a diagnosis. Your doctor looks at other possible causes, such as poor sleep, low mood, medicines or thyroid problems, and may suggest blood tests, a repeat test or a referral to a specialist or memory clinic. HealthHub notes that subsidised fees at public memory clinics need a referral from a polyclinic or a CHAS GP clinic; Fusion Medical is a CHAS GP clinic.
Can anything affect my result?
Yes. Tiredness, stress, anxiety, low mood, illness and some medicines can affect how you do on the day, and so can being unused to tablets or having trouble with your eyesight. Try to take the test when you are rested, wear your glasses if you need them, and tell your doctor about anything that may have affected you.
Does a normal result mean I have nothing to worry about?
A normal result is reassuring, but it reflects one day and does not rule out every problem. If you or your family notice changes in memory or behaviour that get worse or affect daily life, see a doctor. Sudden confusion, slurred speech or weakness needs urgent care: call 995.
Our doctors
Your scores, explained and followed up by our doctors.
Appointments
Book a cognitive test at Wheelock Place.
Visits are by appointment. Our doctor checks that the test suits you, arranges it and goes through the report with you. Fees are confirmed when you book.