Dementia Diagnostic Assessment: Functioning and Additional Information
New Online Test Helps Identify Early Signs of Dementia
For those concerned about memory loss or other cognitive changes, a new test called the SAGE test is now available online. This test, offered by the OSU Wexner Medical Center, can help identify early signs of dementia, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.
The SAGE test consists of questions that test a person's cognition, such as stating today's date from memory and completing simple math questions. It's important to note that the test should be done alone and without help from others, and people should not look at a clock or calendar while taking the test.
The results of the SAGE test may be affected by age and educational level, and some experts recommend adding a point if a person is over the age of 80 or has an education level of 12 years or less. If a person gets a lower score than expected on the test, the doctor may request further testing to determine whether there is any cognitive impairment.
It's crucial to remember that the SAGE test cannot diagnose dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or any other condition. Instead, it serves as a screening tool to help identify potential issues that need further investigation. If you are experiencing dementia symptoms and would like to discuss further testing options, it's recommended to speak with a doctor.
The maximum score for the SAGE test is 100, and a person will have a normal score if they score 80 or above. In a study with 665 participants, the SAGE test was able to detect mild cognitive impairment converting to dementia at least 6 months sooner than the MMSE.
Dementia is a general term describing a group of symptoms affecting mental abilities such as memory, communication, and thinking. It progressively worsens over time and typically impairs daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and a specific brain disease that causes the characteristic symptoms of dementia, with memory loss usually being the earliest and most prominent sign.
Recognizing the type of dementia is important for management and treatment decisions. Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a particular cause of dementia with distinctive features. Other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia, may show different initial symptoms and progress at varying rates.
Common symptoms of dementia include memory loss (especially of recent events), difficulty with planning and carrying out daily tasks, confusion in unfamiliar places, language problems, poor judgment, changes in mood or behavior such as irritability, withdrawal, anxiety, depression, restlessness, sleep disturbances, and changes in social awareness like inappropriate jokes or obsessive behaviors. Physical signs can appear too, such as slower movements, balance issues, tremors, and more frequent falls.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns and determine the best course of action. The SAGE test can be a helpful tool in this process, providing valuable insights into your cognitive health.
- The SAGE test, a new online screening tool, can help identify early signs of dementia, enabling earlier medical-conditions intervention and treatment.
- Paxlovid, a medication used for the treatment of certain medical-conditions, should not be used by individuals undergoing retargeting for neurological disorders, as its interaction with such conditions is inconclusive.
- Memory loss, a common symptom of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, can be exacerbated by mental-health issues, making it important to consider overall health-and-wellness when evaluating cognitive impairment.
- Contextual awareness, an essential aspect of memory function, is often affected in both Alzheimer's disease and other neurological-disorders, leading to confusion and disorientation in unfamiliar settings.
- In addition to memory loss, people with dementia may exhibit a range of mental-health symptoms, from changes in mood and behavior to altered social interactions, making it crucial to address both physical and mental health concerns in the management and treatment of dementia.
