Test your memory

Test your memory

You need about 30 minutes for this quiz (although the exercise itself takes less than five). Set a timer for two minutes, then study the words below. When the bell rings, put the list aside and do something else that will distract you—check e-mail, read the paper. Twenty minutes later, write down as many of the words as you remember (in any order):

Violin Balloon Stereo Building Strawberry Cradle Mast Lizard Teacher Oven

What your score means

* 8 or more words: You're a memory superstar. Make sure you follow the long-term strategies so you'll keep your title.
* 5 to 7 words: This is typical for a middle-aged person. Learning a few brain-boosting tricks will help.
* 4 or fewer words: A low score doesn't mean you're headed for senility, but you should take a look at your life—the issue may be your stress levels—to see what might be interfering with your memory.

— Gary Small, M.D., author of iBrain (HarperCollins)

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/alzheimers-disease/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100242811&page=3