How do doctors assess for cognitive impairment?

Testing: Typically they ask the person thinking questions and gauge their ability to respond. Subtract 7 from 100 and keep going. Perform a memory test of three item recall. Draw the face of a clock with the time saying 7:25 or some other "none even" time. There are other more specialized test that can be done, typically by psychologists.

Developmental/psycho: Use one or more established standardized tests of intellectual functioning and compare the results to chronologic age of the person. Tests look at both abilities and knowledge as ell as learning skills and application of these and academic achievement if applicable. Scores measure iq; 90-110 normal range.