---
title: "Cognitive tests for dementia: MoCA, SLUMS and more"
description: "How doctors screen for memory problems, what tests like the MoCA and SLUMS measure, and what comes after a screening. A guide for families."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/cognitive-tests-for-dementia/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: Senior Choice Care
---

Screening guide

# Cognitive tests for dementia: what families should know

A short pen-and-paper screening is often the first step when a family notices memory changes. It is a starting point, not a diagnosis.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

Cognitive tests for dementia are short screenings, such as the MoCA and the SLUMS, that a trained professional gives to check memory, attention, language and problem-solving. A low score signals the need for more evaluation. NIA says doctors first look for treatable causes, and may use physical exams, lab tests and imaging.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

**On this page**

1. [ Common screenings compared](#s-common-screenings-compared)
2. [What comes after a screening](#s-what-comes-after-a-screening)
3. [In this section](#s-in-this-section)
4. [Questions families ask](#s-faq)

## Common screenings compared

^ Two common cognitive screenings

|  | MoCA | SLUMS |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| From | MoCA Cognition | Saint Louis University |
| For | Detecting mild cognitive impairment and other conditions | Adults 60 and older |
| Given by | Trained, certified clinicians (paper version) | Health and social service professionals after a training video |

## What comes after a screening

NIA says that to diagnose dementia, doctors first assess whether there's an underlying, potentially treatable condition. Vitamin deficiencies, medicine side effects and thyroid, kidney or liver problems can cause memory problems that resemble dementia.

## In this section

[Explainer

### The MoCA test: what families should know

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is a short clinical screening for memory and thinking problems. What it measures, who gives it, and what a result means.
Guide **Read**](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/moca-test/)[ Explainer

### The SLUMS exam: what it is and what to expect

What the SLU Mental Status exam checks, who it is for, how it is given and what to do after, based on Saint Louis University guidance.
Guide **Read**](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/slums-test/)

##  Questions families ask

### Can a test diagnose dementia?

No single screening can. Diagnosis combines history, exams, lab tests and sometimes imaging.

### Which test is best?

The doctor chooses based on the person and setting.

### Can memory problems be something other than dementia?

Yes. NIA lists medicine side effects, vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems among other causes.

### Should we ask for a screening?

If you notice changes, ask the doctor. Bring examples of what you've seen.

## Sources

- [National Institute on Aging: What is dementia? Symptoms, types and diagnosis](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis)
- [MoCA Cognition (publisher of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)](https://mocacognition.com/)
- [Saint Louis University: SLU Mental Status Exam](https://www.slu.edu/medicine/internal-medicine/geriatric-medicine/aging-successfully/assessment-tools/mental-status-exam.php)

## Read next

- [Assess](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/)
- [Signs of dementia](https://seniorchoicecare.com/guides/signs-of-dementia/)
- [Geriatric assessment](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/geriatric-assessment/)
- [MoCA test](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/moca-test/)
- [SLUMS test](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/slums-test/)
- [ADLs](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/activities-of-daily-living/)
- [Care-level matcher](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/care-level-matcher/)
- [Caregiver burnout quiz](https://seniorchoicecare.com/assess/caregiver-burnout-quiz/)

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