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Is your loved one just forgetful or at risk of Alzheimer's disease?

by Community Team Posted: February 3, 2012 2:00 PM Last Updated: February 3, 2012 2:31 PM
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Alzheimer's disease slowly leads to memory impairment, behavioural changes and dementia. (iStock)

If you know someone who is becoming more absent-minded as they age, you might worry that they are developing Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and affects one in 20 Canadians over the age of 65 - a ratio that rises to one in four for those over the age of 85. Women make up close to 75 per cent of Canadians with Alzheimer's.

Some memory loss is normal as people get older, but others have amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which puts them at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's.

The disease slowly leads to memory impairment, behavioural changes and dementia, affecting how people understand, think, remember and communicate.

Research recently published in BMC Geriatrics, BioMed Central's open access peer-reviewed journal, offers a quiz to help tell the difference.

Psychometrist Michael Malek-Ahmadi, who led the study, cautions that the test cannot be used as a definitive guide to diagnosing Alzheimer's or aMCI.

The test is meant simply to help identify those who could benefit from further testing.

The original survey was designed for a physician or primary caregiver. Its tallying scheme was rather complex, as some questions were weighed more heavily than others.

This adapted version should help the general public identify behaviours that may be cause for concern, but all test-takers are advised to follow up with a physician if they have any questions.


(Please click on the link. A pop up window will appear)

Answer key:
Please tally one point for each YES answer.

  • 0 - 4: does not have significant memory problems
  • 5 - 14: may be at risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI)
  • 15 and over: may be at risk of Alzheimer's disease
Please speak to a physician if you are concerned about the results.

(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)

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