Abstract: A method for assessing cognitive function in a subject uses a computer having a display, a response sensor and a microprocessor and includes the step of using the display to present to the subject a plurality of items to be analyzed by the subject. The items presented to the subject are intermixed with other of the items being tested for recognition. The method also includes the step of having the subject activate the response sensor after the subject has looked at the display and has recognized the presented items from memory. The subject is tested to determine if the subject recognizes each of the items as meeting a specific criterion. The method further includes the step of using the microprocessor to determine the subject's accuracy and his response speed to each of the recognized items. The response speed for each of the recognized items is the time required between when the subject is shown an item and when the subject correctly responds that he recognizes the item.

Abstract: a method for assessing memory in a subject include the steps of presenting to the subject a list of items to be retrieved from memory by the subject, having the subject recognize the presented items from memory, determining the subject's response speed to each of the recognized repeated items and analyzing a plurality of the response speeds for the recognized repeated items. The items which presented to the subject are intermixed with repetitions of the items being tested for recognition. The subject is tested to determine if he recognizes each repeated item as being a repeated item. The response speed for each of the recognized repeated item is the time required between when the subject is shown a repeated item and when the subject responds that he recognizes the repeated item.