Cognitive function is the process of thinking and understanding. Let’s find out what cognitive functioning is and why you need cognitive functioning tests.

1. Understanding Cognitive Functioning One Step at a Time
The science of cognitive functioning is an interdisciplinary field that draws on knowledge
from psychology, neuroscience, and other related disciplines. Cognitive functioning plays a
critical role in our ability to learn and retain new information. It is the foundation upon
which all mental processes, including learning and memory, are built. So, let’s find out what
cognitive functioning is and why you need cognitive functioning tests.
What is cognitive functioning, and how does it work?
Cognitive functioning is a broad term that encompasses several mental processes, including
attention, perception, memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. These
processes are closely tied to our ability to navigate the world around us, assess information
from our environment, and respond to changing demands. The subtext here is the scientific
side. Every process is supported by complex networks of neurons that communicate with
one another, exchanging information and coordinating the flow of information from one
process to another. Typically there are FOUR core domains of cognitive functioning:
● Attention and Perception:
The domain of attention and perception encompasses our ability to identify and process
sensory information from our environment. This includes the ability to focus and sustain
attention, as well as the ability to accurately perceive and interpret visual, auditory, and
other sensory information.
● Memory:
Memory is another fundamental pillar of cognitive functioning, encompassing the processes
involved in the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. This includes short-term
memory, which is the temporary storage of information, and long-term memory, which
involves the permanent storage of acquired info for future recall.
● Executive Functioning:
Executive functioning is a broad term that encompasses several higher-level cognitive
processes, including planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. These processes are
crucial for goal-directed behavior and are closely tied to our ability to navigate complex
social and intellectual demands.
● Language:
Language encompasses the ability to understand, produce, and process language, and it
includes the ability to comprehend spoken and written language, as well as the ability to use
language to communicate effectively with others.
Factors Influencing Cognitive Functioning
Many factors can influence cognitive functioning (CF), including age, genetics, lifestyle, and
environmental factors, which is why many research groups have switched to cognitive
functioning tests for remote research and to assess what factors can mold the CF quotient.
For example, aging is associated with a decline in cognitive functioning, particularly in areas

2. such as memory and executive functioning. Similarly, genetic factors can play a role in
determining an individual's cognitive abilities, as well as the risk of developing certain
neurodegenerative conditions.
Lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, sleep, and diet, can also have a significant impact
on cognitive functioning. Regular exercise, for example, has been shown to improve
cognitive functioning, particularly in areas such as attention, memory, and executive
functioning. Sleep is also critical for cognitive functioning, as it allows the brain to
consolidate and process information from the day. Environmental factors, such as exposure
to toxins and stress, can also influence cognitive functioning. Chronic stress can lead to a
substantial decrease in cognitive functioning, particularly in areas such as memory and
executive functioning.
It’s a wrap!
There’s no denying that researchers need better solutions to understand cognitive
processes in the real world. If you are running longitudinal studies on cognition,
mobile cognitive function testing can be a brilliant way to assess key domains like attention,
memory, and executive function along with other factors like psychomotor speed and
emotional social cognition. In addition to providing a mobile cognitive testing and EMA
platform, the NeuroUX team has helped numerous research groups with protocol design
and obtaining NIH and VA funding.