Cognitive age is an estimate of how many years your brain "works" at: the results of tests of memory, attention and processing speed are compared with those typical for different ages. If the brain performs like that of younger people, cognitive age is below your calendar age.
How it is assessed
The idea is simple: many cognitive abilities change in a regular way with age. Fluid intelligence, processing speed and working memory decline, while vocabulary and knowledge hold up. By comparing your results with age norms, one estimates which age they correspond to. This is a statistical estimate, not a medical diagnosis.
What the gap says
If cognitive age is above your calendar age, it is a reason to pay attention to brain health: sleep, blood pressure, blood sugar, hearing, mood, physical activity. But a single test result fluctuates and depends on fatigue and anxiety. A marked and progressive lag is a reason for an in-person assessment by a doctor, not for self-diagnosis.
What helps “rejuvenate” the brain
Brain biology is affected by the same things that strengthen cognitive reserve: regular aerobic activity, learning new things, socializing, quality sleep and control of vascular factors. These measures do not "stop time", but they really do slow cognitive aging.
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where Cognitive age is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
How does cognitive age differ from mental age?
Cognitive age assesses the “wear” of the brain — memory, attention, speed — relative to age norms. Mental age, from intelligence tests, compares the level of mental development with that typical for a certain age.
My cognitive age is above my passport age — is that dangerous?
Not necessarily: the result depends on sleep, fatigue and anxiety. But if the lag is noticeable and growing, it is worth checking blood pressure, blood sugar, hearing and mood and discussing it with a doctor.