Self-screening for mild dementia and early Alzheimer’s? Check. A screening for mild dementia and early Alzheimer’s that takes 15 minutes? Check. A screening for mild dementia and early Alzheimer’s that takes just 15 minutes AND you only need a pen and a pad? Check.
Thanks to Ohio State University, we now have the SAGE test for early cognitive impairments. The test is a FREE screening available online; which allows you to spot the signs of cognitive decline before they become too advanced. The beauty of the self test is that it can be done in just 15 minutes notifying you of when you might need to have a conversation with your doctor about cognitive impairments. This is exciting news to our Dogwood Forest communities because like many assisted living communities, our prospects and families are not always aware when there has been a decline in their loved one’s cognitive abilities. This opens the conversation and gives them some insight with a quick and easy test that can be downloaded online right at home.
Here’s how it works:
The test utilizes a combination of image association, problem solving, word association, memory test, and test on your ability to follow directions. The test has been said by doctors to be an excellent starting point because preliminary studies show a strong correlation between the test and more detailed cognitive evaluations. Doctors cannot only use the test to as a starting point for dementia exams, but also use the test to monitor even slight changes in cognitive abilities in their patients. This enables doctors to spot warning signs much sooner which means treatment can begin much sooner. Early detection and treatment is important because studies show most Alzheimer’s patient wait 3-4 years before being treated.
To learn more about the study, check out the video below. To learn more about the Ohio State Study, click here.
