BLUF
This article describes the cognitive functions which refer to the ability of a person to think.
Summary
The cognitive functions are broken down into several areas that are all related and involve learning and problem-solving, and consist of the following:
- The intelligence quotient IQ
- Measures your cognitive capacity.
- IQ tests are usually given when young.
- Can provide a benchmark to show whether later health problems are affecting a person’s cognitive ability.
- Memory
- The memory domain represents your ability to remember things and is divided into two areas:
- Episodic memorise details from a story.
- Working memory keeps information in mind, such as telephone nos.
- Diseases such as Alzheimer’s tend to affect the memory first.
- The speed domain.
- Represents how fast you can think.
- Reasoning.
- Represents your ability to solve problems, especially when processing non-verbal information.
- Verbal fluency
- Represents your ability to work with verbal information.
- Visual-spatial ability.
- Deals with your ability to interact with physical objects.
Consider the cognitive functions you are using when reading this article.