Check yourself for dementia

A self-administered test to screen for early dementia could help speed the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. It could also provide health care providers and caregivers an earlier indication of life-changing events that could lie ahead.

The handwritten self-assessment, which can take less than 15 minutes to complete, is a reliable tool for evaluating cognitive abilities. Findings confirming the validity of the tool are reported in the current issue of the journal Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders.

Dr Douglas Scharre, a neurologist at the Ohio State University Medical Center, developed the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) to help identify individuals with mild thinking and memory impairments at an early stage.

The research shows four out of five people (80%) with mild thinking and memory (cognitive) issues will be detected by this test, and 95% of people who are normal thinking will have normal SAGE scores.

Dr Scharre, who specialises in treating Alzheimer’s disease, said treatments for Alzheimer’s and dementia are more effective when they are introduced in the earliest stage of the disease.

Unfortunately, he said he often sees patients more than three to four years after the first symptoms of a cognitive impairment began to appear.

Many of the assessment tools for cognitive disorders being used today, while accurate, have aspects that deter their use. Other diagnostic tests require the patient to use a computer, which can add heightened anxiety to some older adults who may be infrequent users of technology.

“The SAGE self-assessment is a practical tool for a busy primary care office,” said Dr Scharre, who makes the tests available free of charge to healthcare personnel at http://www.sagetest.osu.edu

It only takes a paper, pen and a few minutes to take the test and because it’s self-administered, it doesn’t necessarily take time away from the appointment.

“They can take the test in the waiting room while waiting for the doctor,” said Dr Scharre.

Missing six or more points on the 22-point SAGE test usually warrants additional follow-up by the physician. Abnormal results can also prompt an early search for reversible and treatable conditions that may be causing the patient’s thinking and memory impairment.

Many conditions besides Alzheimer’s disease, such as strokes and some thyroid conditions, can also impact memory, according to Dr Scharre.

He also said there are potential cost savings to using the tests in a primary care setting, reasoning that a person who fares poorly on the self-exam will likely be less compliant taking medications on time, taking them in the proper dosages or following other recommendations such as maintaining healthy diets.

“Abnormal test results can serve as an early warning to the patient’s family,” added Dr Scharre.

“The results can be a signal that caregivers may need to begin closer monitoring of the patient to ensure their safety and good health is not compromised and that they are protected from financial predators.”