Memory is an important part of life. It plays a direct role in thinking, communicating, and almost every day-to-day action. Changes in memory can sometimes feel frustrating, isolating, or even worrying—especially for older adults. Fortunately, with some simple approaches like the 5-word memory test, you can help your loved one with their cognitive abilities.
The 5-word memory test is a short, easy test designed to challenge the ability to recall words. It’s often used to evaluate a person’s short-term memory. It’s an effective test with no materials required, making it a great way to test a person’s cognitive abilities.
The 5-Word Memory Test
The 5-word memory test is a cognitive screening tool. This approach is simple—a person is told 5 words in a specific order, and a few minutes later, they’re asked to recall them in the same order.
It’s often used by healthcare providers to test memory and short-term recall. The 5-word test can be used to determine how well your loved one remembers specific information. It’s especially valued for its simplicity and for how quickly it can give information about memory function.
How to Perform the 5-Word Memory Test
This test is simple and straightforward—that’s why it’s so common! Caregivers or healthcare professionals can administer it at any time. It doesn’t require any additional equipment or preparation, so it’s extremely convenient.
Here’s how the test is performed:
- Choose five unrelated words. These could be words like “apple,” “table,” “stone,” “cloud,” and “pen.”
- Ask your loved one to repeat the words immediately after hearing them.
- Keep their attention with a brief conversation or distraction for a few minutes.
- Ask them to recall the five words again after the short delay.
- Record how many of the five words they can accurately recall.
This test is scored on a percentage system. You give one point for each word they correctly recall. A perfect score is 5/5, or 100%, where every word is recalled perfectly and in the right place.
Tips for Improving Memory for Seniors
The 5-word memory test is a reliable option. It doesn’t require specific training or any fancy equipment. You can ask your loved one to try it at any point throughout the day to challenge their memory.
However, keeping a strong mind is about more than passing a test here and there. It also helps to make some simple lifestyle adjustments, like:
- Staying physically active with regular exercise, such as walking or stretching.
- Engaging in brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, or memory games.
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Getting enough sleep each night to support brain function.
- Staying socially connected by spending time with family and friends.
These make a significant difference!
Early Signs of Memory Impairment
Memory impairments often start subtly. It’s easy to mistake the early signs of decline for age-related problems and forgetfulness. We all forget a name or misplace an item here and there, so how do you tell if it’s becoming a frequent problem?
Watch out for signs such as:
- Frequently forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments.
- Repeating questions or stories without realizing it.
- Struggling to follow instructions or manage familiar tasks.
- Becoming disoriented in familiar places or losing track of time.
- Difficulty finding the right words or experiencing noticeable language problems.
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
- Increased reliance on memory aids like notes or reminders.
These all indicate something more serious than simple forgetfulness. If you recognize these signs, talk to a healthcare professional. An early diagnosis of memory impairment can make all the difference in the world.
How to Help a Senior Loved One with Memory Problems
The human mind is extremely complex. If your loved one is living with memory impairment, cognitive decline, or a brain-related condition, it’s time to take action. And one easy way to help? Through memory care.

Memory care is a special type of senior living. It’s customized to meet the needs of older adults living with cognitive decline. The focus is simple—to offer a safe, supportive, and structured environment to those in need.
A critical part of memory care is a consistent schedule. This helps reduce confusion or frustration while giving your loved one a sense of routine. Memory care also offers all kinds of stimulating activities, like puzzles and group therapy, to encourage cognitive training.
These communities are an incredible way to help a loved one with memory problems. The care provided helps your loved one maintain their dignity and respect in a lifestyle based on meeting their unique needs.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
If your loved one is living with cognitive decline and forgetfulness, memory care can be a great decision. An early move makes it much easier to support your loved one in a way that makes a difference. And here at Kingston at Dupont, we know how to help!
Our community takes pride in supporting every one of our residents throughout their journey. With our help, your loved one can thrive every day. Contact our team to schedule a tour—together, we can help your loved one with their memory.