A self-test for dementia…
Are you struggling to find the right words in a conversation? Do you get confused while balancing your checkbook? Are you forgetting things that used to be easy to remember? Are you worried that these memory “slips” might be a sign of dementia?
Now there’s a simple screening test for memory loss, cognitive impairment or dementia that you can take anywhere, using just paper and pencil. It takes only about 10 minutes to complete, and it provides your doctor with the information he or she needs to determine whether more thorough testing is needed. This screening tool is called the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE). Developed by researchers from Ohio State, SAGE was designed to identify mild cognitive impairment to full-blown dementia. SAGE has been shown to accurately detect cognitive problems, correctly identifying nearly 80% of people with cognitive impairment and excluding 95% of those without impairment.
You can download the test at:
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/alzheimers/sage-test/Pages/index.aspx