What about the memory test Trump aced? It's not for everyone

WASHINGTON (AP) — Cognitive tests like the one President Donald Trump aced give doctors a snapshot of someone's memory and certain other neurologic functions.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is one of an assortment of tests that give doctors one piece of information to help determine if trouble's brewing. But by themselves they're not enough to diagnose cognitive impairment. Nor are they routine. Usually people get them only if there are concerns about cognitive functioning.

Trump's doctor says he never saw a reason to do the test but administered it at Trump's request.

The test includes things like drawing a clock, remembering words and counting backward by sevens. The tasks sound simple but each targets a specific brain function.

Doctors say cognitive concerns need to be taken seriously, especially as people get older.

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