Doctor claims this simple 60-second test using just pen and paper can show early signs of brain decline
As if getting into a doom scroll for hours on end wasn't indication enough...
There's a simple test you can take to figure out if your cognitive function is up to scratch and if it's not, a doctor has revealed how you can go about giving yourself a brain boost.
If your attention span now fades if anything lasts over 40 seconds and you can't watch a film without scrolling on your phone, that could really be sign something's not quite right.
However, if you want to find out just how fried your nuggin' really is, then there's a simple test which can help you figure out if you need to start putting a ban on phone time.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr Matthew Motisi D.O., who works at at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care in Miami, has stressed the importance of checking in with your body even if you think there's nothing wrong and it can be as easy as a simple assessment or two.
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The brain test
Dr Motisi explains to Prevention you'll need to arm yourself with a pencil and paper.
You'll also need to choose a 'large category containing many items' such as movies, animals or vegetables.
Then, setting yourself a timer for one minute, you sit down and spend 60 seconds writing as many things as you can think of which are in whichever group you've chosen.
For example for animals: "Pig, hippo, rhino, dog, cat, mouse..." You get the gist - hopefully, or else social media really has rotted your brain.
When the minute is up, you have to put the pen down - no cheating.
What the simple test reveals about your brain
Well, Dr Motisi says your list should come to 'at least 15 items'. And even then, you should really know 'more than 21'.
But if you struggled to name over 21 different things within a certain category?
It's not time to panic completely, but Dr Motisi explains neurologists do see it as a potential early symptom of cognitive impairment.
If your struggle with your memory and cognitive function progresses, the Mayo Clinic explains 'mild cognitive impairment' is considered the 'in-between stage between typical thinking skills and dementia'.
Alongside the above test results being low, other symptoms could include 'forgetting things more often, missing appointments or social events, losing [your] train of thought, and trouble following a conversation'.
You may also struggle 'finding the right word or with language, find it hard to make decisions, finish a task or follow instructions, have 'trouble finding [your] way around places [you] know well' and exhibit 'poor judgement'.
However, Dr Motisi notes not to 'panic' if you occasionally can't remember names or where you left your phone, reassuring: "Our brains do change slightly with age and these minor issues don't indicate disease."
But what can you do to improve your cognitive function?
How to improve your brain health
Dr Motisi advises giving up smoking and not sitting down for long periods on end, making the effort to connect with family and friends and engage in discussions, alongside focusing on a healthy fruit and veg-heavy diet, regular exercise and breath work.
And if you're worried, contact your doctor for a check-up to share any concerns.
Poppy Bilderbeck