As we all get older together,  many wonder if they have or are getting or will get Alzheimer’s– this happens when we start forgetting things. This is a common concern. And if someone in the family has had such issues like a parent or grandparent, those fears increase dramatically. Fortunately, as science evolves experts are more sophisticated both in  diagnosing and treating this disease.

Of course, everyone forgets things. So, a salient question is, what is important and potentially abnormal (or what is normal)? For instance, one can lose an item at home,  but if one is forgetting very familiar items regularly or cannot recall what day of the week or what time it is after just being informed or one loses their sense of direction to a place they have gone for years, this is problematic.

Instead of guessing whether someone is having serious issues or is suffering from this  disturbing disease, there is a excellent, simple  test that anyone can take – self administer –  in about 15-20 minutes. Once the test is complete, one brings it to their doctor where the results are  interpreted.  The Ohio State University Hospital now has the SAGE test, a test that  measures thinking abilities. Sage stands for “Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam.”

http://wexnermedical.osu.edu/patient-care/healthcare-services/brain-spine-neuro/memory-disorders/sage

https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/documents/sage.pdf

http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2010/04/test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html

Rather than guess at what is going on or avoiding finding out what is happening, to best protect oneself or a loved one, taking this test and then meeting with one’s doctor with the results should be seriously considered. No one will take better care of you than you!