Neurologists at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center developed the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) to detect early signs of cognitive, memory or thinking impairments. It screens how well you are thinking and helps physicians know how your brain is working. Take the SAGE test at sagetest.osu.edu.
You may want to take SAGE if you are concerned that you might have cognitive issues. Or you may wish to have your family or friends take the test if they are having memory or thinking problems. The following difficulties can be early signs of cognitive and brain dysfunction. While dementia or Alzheimer's disease can lead to these symptoms, there are many other treatable disorders that also may cause these signs.
• Memory loss -- Misplacing items and forgetting recently learned information, conversations, names, etc.
• Language problems -- Trouble finding words
• Disorientation to time -- Forgetting the day of the week or the date
• Impaired sense of direction -- Getting lost in a familiar place
• Changes in personality or mood
• Difficulties with decision making, using good judgment or organizational skills
It is normal to experience some memory loss and to take longer to recall events as you age. But if the changes you are experiencing are worrying you or others around you, SAGE can be a helpful tool to assess if further evaluation is necessary.
