The Clock Drawing Test is a simple tool often used by doctors and healthcare workers to check for problems with thinking and memory. People taking the test are asked to draw a clock face, put in the numbers, and set the hands to a specific time. It might sound easy, but how well someone does can give clues about their brain health.
Many studies have looked at how well the Clock Drawing Test works. Some research shows it can spot people who might have dementia or mild cognitive problems. For example, one study found that the test correctly identified about 83 out of 100 people who had possible cognitive issues. Another study showed it was good at finding dementia, with a high rate of correct results. The test is not perfect, but it does help doctors decide if someone needs more detailed testing.
The way the test is scored can make a difference. Some scoring systems look at things like whether the numbers are in the right places, if the hands are set correctly, and if the clock face is drawn properly. More advanced versions of the test, like digital clock drawing, can track things like how long it takes to draw and if there are pauses or mistakes. These details can help catch mild problems that might be missed with a regular paper test.
The Clock Drawing Test is quick and easy to do, which makes it useful in busy clinics or for screening large groups of people. It does not require special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. However, it is not meant to give a final diagnosis. It is just one part of a bigger check-up that might include other questions, memory tasks, or medical tests.
Some people might do poorly on the test because of vision problems, lack of education, or trouble understanding the instructions, not because of memory issues. That is why doctors always look at the whole picture, not just the clock drawing result.
The test is most helpful when used along with other tools, like asking people to remember words or answer simple questions. When combined with other tests, it can give a clearer idea of a person’s thinking skills.
Sources
https://www.neurology.org/doi/pdfdirect/10.1212/WNL.56.9.1133
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12592029/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12599473/
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/442502/mino-cog
