Answer this 11 question checklist and discuss the results with a healthcare professional. It is important to address memory problems early.
If
you're noticing memory problems, this checklist may help. Answer the questions
"yes", "no" or "don't know."
- Does the person often
repeat himself (herself) or ask the same question over and over?
- Is he (she) more forgetful,
that is, having trouble with short-term memory?
- Does he (she) need reminders
to do things like chores, shopping or taking medicine?
- Does he (she) forget
appointments, family occasions, or holidays?
- Does he (she) seem sad,
down in the dumps, or cry more often than in the past?
- Has he (she) started having
trouble doing calculations, managing finances, or balancing the checkbook?
- Has he (she) lost interest
in his (her) usual activities, such as hobbies, reading church, or other
social activities?
- Has he (she) started needing
help eating, dressing, bathing, or using the bathroom?
- Has he (she) become irritable,
agitated, or suspicious or started seeing, hearing, or believing things
that are not real?
- Are there concerns about
his (her) driving, for example, getting lost or driving unsafely, or has
he (she) had to stop driving? (
If he (she) has never driven, answer “no”.)
- Does he (she) have trouble finding words he (she) wants to say, finishing his (her) sentences, or naming people or things?
Total "Yes" Responses: _______
Answering "yes" to five or more questions may indicate the presence of dementia.
Responses to this checklist do not offer a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, but may suggest the need for further evaluation. You are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns about the person for whom you care, with your health care professional.
Source: Mundt JC, Freed DM, Griest JH. Lay person-based screening for early detection of Alzheimer's disease: development and validation of an instrument. J Gerontol B School Sci Sco Sci. 2000; 55B: 163-170.