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Mental age · Level 1

Cognitive age: is your brain older than you?

The candles on the cake are only a small part of the story. Cognitive age shows how “young” your brain works: it's defined by processing speed, memory and neuroplasticity. Unlike your chronological age, it's changeable — shaped by sleep, lifestyle and how often you challenge your brain. 20 questions will gauge your cognitive age and suggest how to lower it. To dig deeper into the biology behind it, read the article on cognitive aging and dementia risk.

20questions ~5 minto complete 3brain domains 0lab tests
A glowing neural network in the shape of a brain — cognitive age
3
brain domains: memory, processing speed and neuroplasticity
20
everyday situations instead of abstract IQ tests
changeable
unlike chronological age, cognitive age can be lowered
~5min
the test takes — the calculation runs right in your browser
How the test works

From answers to your brain's age

Each question belongs to one of three domains and describes a real everyday situation. Answers are turned into points, points into a domain profile, and the profile into a cognitive age relative to your chronological one. The “younger” the result, the higher your fluid intelligence — the speed and adaptability of thinking. And to gauge your psychological portrait as well, take the mental age test — level 2 of the same topic.

  1. 01
    quiz
    20 situations
    Everyday scenarios — from updating an app to finding your car in a parking garage. One answer out of four.
  2. 02
    category
    3 domains
    Memory, processing speed and neuroplasticity are scored separately — 6–8 questions each.
  3. 03
    tune
    Profile
    The points build a profile: your primary strength and your growth area — where to direct your effort.
  4. 04
    cake
    Age and next steps
    Your cognitive age with a range and personal “neurohacking” — how to lower it.

Take the test

First enter your age — the cognitive age can't be calculated without it. Then, for each situation, pick the option that most honestly describes you. There are no right or wrong answers — honesty is what matters.

0About you
Nameoptional
Chronological age14–100
years
0 / 20 questions

The test is processed in your browser — your answers are never sent anywhere.

Cognitive age
— years
Your brain's age across 3 domains
—
Brain vs. chronological age
−15 (younger)−50+5+20 (older)

Your ages

Chronological
— years
Your chronological age.
Cognitive
— years
Your estimated brain age.

Brain domain breakdown

The higher the score, the “younger” the domain performs. Scale: growth area · normal · strength.

In-depth analysis

starPrimary strength
—
targetFocus area
—
lightbulb
Recommended neurohacking
Techniques with proven brain benefits, matched to your growth area. This is educational information, not a substitute for medical advice.
info
Cognitive age is a rough self-assessment from a questionnaire, not neuropsychological testing and not a diagnosis. Persistent decline in memory, speech or attention is a reason to see a physician (a neurologist).
For information only — not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. The values you enter are used only to calculate your result and are not stored on our servers.

The three pillars of cognitive health

The test rates your brain across three domains. Understanding what stands behind each one helps you interpret the result and choose what to train.

neurology
Neuroplasticity (adaptability)
The brain's ability to rewire connections and form new ones. High plasticity lets you quickly master technology, adapt to change and recover from stress. If this domain lags, you may be leaning too hard on routine.
checkNovelty, learning and stepping out of your comfort zone.
bolt
Processing speed
How fast the brain takes in information, processes it and forms a response — from the pace of a conversation to reacting on the road. It naturally declines with age, but tasks that call for quick decisions help maintain it.
checkDynamic games, reaction sports, timed challenges.
memory
Working memory
The brain's “scratchpad”: the ability to hold and process information for seconds — doing math in your head, remembering a code from a text message. A decline in working memory is often the first noticeable sign of cognitive aging.
checkDual N-Back, mental arithmetic, memorizing lists.
The brain as a network of neural connections with zones for memory, speed and plasticity
Cognitive age isn't a single score — it's a balance of memory, processing speed and the brain's flexibility.

How to lower your cognitive age

The science of neurogenesis has proven that the adult brain can grow new neurons. If your result came out older than you'd like, these evidence-based strategies help “turn back the clock.” Introduce them one at a time.

Dual N-Back training
One of the few workouts shown to transfer its effect to working memory and fluid intelligence, not just to the game itself.
push_pin10–20 minutes a day in a trainer app.
Aerobic exercise
Cardiovascular health is directly linked to brain volume. Exercise raises BDNF — a “fertilizer” for neurons.
push_pin150+ minutes a week: brisk walking, running, swimming.
New, challenging skills
Crosswords only teach you to solve crosswords. To truly lower your cognitive age, you need to master things that are new and hard.
push_pinA language, a musical instrument, an unfamiliar craft.
Sleep and intermittent fasting
7–8 hours of sleep flush out beta-amyloid, while fasting triggers autophagy — a cellular cleanup that may help protect against neurodegeneration.
push_pinPrioritize deep sleep; time-restricted eating — after consulting your doctor.

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