At-Home Dementia Screening Tests
Dementia refers to a group of symptoms related to declining memory, communication skills, and thinking abilities. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease.
In the early stages, Alzheimer's disease can be difficult to recognize. An at-home dementia or Alzheimer's test is one option to detect mild cognitive problems suggestive of the beginning stages of neurological conditions like Alzheimers or other dementias.
Benefits of Early Evaluation
Catching Alzheimers disease early opens up access to treatment options to help manage symptoms and slow progression. Additionally, early diagnosis:
- Allows time to plan for the future while still cognitively healthy
- Provides an explanation for troublesome symptoms
- Allows individuals to enroll in clinical trials for new therapies
- Reduces uncertainty and anxiety around changes in cognition
Limitations of Online Dementia Tests
While online memory screening tests have benefits, they also have notable limitations:
- Results cannot provide a diagnosis or rule out dementia
- Self-administration allows room for user error
- Other medical, psychological, or situational factors can influence results
- Not as accurate or comprehensive as in-clinic cognitive testing
So while these tests serve as a starting point for assessing changes, any flags require follow up with a full medical workup.
Types of Online Dementia Screening Tests
A few at-home dementia tests stand out based on validity, ease of use, and accessibility online or as smartphone apps.
SAGE Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam
The SAGE test is one of the more well-validated online tools. The self-administered exam takes around 15 minutes and evaluates multiple cognitive domains including:
- Orientation
- Language
- Naming
- Visuospatial abilities
- Memory
- Attention
The test poses different types of interactive questions and tasks. An automated scoring algorithm compares results to existing databases, accounting for differences in age and education level, in order to detect possible signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
BrainTest Memory Assessment
The BrainTest app offers a free memory screening. Users complete a series of interactive assessments testing:
- Orientation
- Executive function
- Verbal memory
- Visual memory
The tool is not formally medically validated but provides general insight into cognitive function across ability areas typically affected by Alzheimers and dementia.
Other Screening Options
Additional validated paper-and-pencil tests like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) are available free online to download and self-administer.
The Alzheimer's Association offers a series of questionnaires to gauge memory, language, and thinking concerns.
Interpreting SAGE Test Scores
The SAGE exam provides automated immediate scoring after completion. A score under 18 out of 22 possible points may indicate mild cognitive impairment issues.
The output details any cognitive domains specifically scoring low. Reviewing individual results shows regions to follow up on with a medical provider. For example, poor verbal memory could signify Alzheimer's, while attention deficits may indicate other neurological issues.
Threshold Scores
While the SAGE exam accounts for age and education in scoring, a set cut-off score generally warrants concern:
- 17-22 points: Normal age-typical cognition likely
- 16-13 points: Possible mild cognitive impairment
- 12 points or below: High probability of cognitive impairment or dementia
The exam has an approximately 91% accuracy rate compared to clinical evaluations for detecting Alzheimers disease dementia based on validation studies.
Test-Retest to Confirm Changes
Given the self-administered format of the SAGE assessment, taking the test twice helps confirm results. A score decline of 3 points or greater indicates progression of symptoms over that time span.
Tracking changes can clarify whether issues with memory, spatial skills, attention, or other domains are persisting or worsening rather than just temporary one-time issues potentially explained by other factors.
Next Steps After Poor Online Scores
Most experts recommend seeking medical evaluation after poor performance or notable declines on online dementia or Alzheimer's screening. In-person evaluation options include:
- Cognitive testing by a neuropsychologist
- Medical workup to check vitamin levels, rule out infection, review medications, and assess overall health
- Brain imaging potentially via MRI to visualize hippocampal or cortical atrophy patterns typical of different dementias
- Genetic testing as appropriate based on family history
Thorough evaluation allows for accurate diagnosis and identifying reversible causes that may explain symptoms mimicking dementia.
Begin Treatment as Appropriate
If evaluation does confirm a dementia diagnosis like Alzheimers disease, beginning appropriate treatment can help slow symptom progression, even in the mild or moderate stages. Both drug and non-drug therapy options are available to discuss with the healthcare team.
More Dementia Screening Tools and Resources
For individuals noticing cognitive changes or concerned about developing dementia, tools like the SAGE exam provide initial insight. Numerous other online and medical resources can clarify next steps:
- Alzheimer's Association - Offers 10 warning sign questionnaires, local programs and support services, advice for family members
- National Institute on Aging - Details diagnostic process and medical management of Alzheimers disease and related dementias
- Alzheimers.gov - U.S. federal government portal covering risk factor reduction, current research, caregiving help
- Alzheimers Foundation of America - Connects users to community resources, helpline services, education, and referrals
Catching changes early maximizes available treatment options and benefits. Online screening tests serve as a starting point before formal medical follow up.
FAQs
What is the SAGE dementia screening test?
The SAGE test is a self-administered online exam taking 15 minutes to evaluate memory, language, attention, and other cognitive skills to detect signs of possible mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.
What kind of questions are on online dementia tests?
These screening exams pose interactive questions testing orientation, memory, executive function, visuospatial skills, naming ability, and attention. The SAGE test involves identifying animal photos, drawing a clock, and recalling words.
Can an online Alzheimer’s test diagnose dementia?
No, online dementia screening tests like the SAGE exam are not diagnostic. They indicate whether an full medical evaluation is warranted based on scores accounting for age and education level. Only doctors can formally diagnose dementia after complete testing.
Is there any harm in taking an online memory test?
For most, taking an initial at-home cognitive screening test is harmless and potentially helpful. But scores can cause stress or panic if not placed in proper context. Poor results demonstrate only the need for in-clinic evaluation and do not confirm irreversible dementia.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment