Verified by Kiera Powell, R.N. and written by Sophie Bebeau on Tue Aug 05 2025.
Medically Verified
It's normal to experience some decline in memory as you age, but if you are concerned that your memory loss or the memory loss of a loved one could be pointing to something more serious, it's time to take the SAGE test.
The SAGE test stands for Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam. It is a quick and easy at-home test that can detect early signs of Alzheimer's or dementia by testing cognitive abilities which are the skills our brain uses to process and understand information.
The SAGE test is completely free and only takes about 15 minutes to complete.
The SAGE test, or Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam, is a quick and straightforward tool designed to help detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. This free, at-home assessment takes only about 15 minutes and evaluates various cognitive abilities – the essential skills our brain uses to process information and understand the world around us.
Developed by researchers at Ohio State University in 2010, the SAGE test is now widely recognized and utilized as a helpful first step in assessing cognitive function.
The SAGE test features 12 questions that delve into several key areas of cognition, including:
Memory: Recalling information and events.
Judgment: Making sound decisions.
Problem-solving: Figuring out solutions to challenges.
Language: Understanding and using words.
Visual/Spatial Skills: Recognizing shapes, distances, and patterns.
You'll encounter a variety of question types on the SAGE test. Examples include practical math problems like, "How many quarters are in $2.75?" and exercises in abstract thinking such as, "How are a rose and a tulip similar?" The test also incorporates visual tasks, asking you to "Draw a large face of a clock and place in the numbers" or "Name the following pictures."
To ensure you can track changes over time, there are four unique versions of the SAGE test available on the Ohio State website. This allows for repeated testing over several years, providing accurate insights into potential changes in cognitive function. There's no strict time limit, though most people complete the SAGE test in about 15 minutes. It's crucial that the test-taker completes the test independently, without any assistance.
Download the SAGE test on the Ohio State University website by clicking "Download the test."
Click the "Download the SAGE test" button in the Terms & Conditions pop-up.
On the next screen, pick from one of the four test forms available. The test can be administered in eight languages (English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Croatian, French, German, and Polish).
After clicking the test you want, a PDF version of the test will download to your device. You can open this test as PDF and print it out.
The test can then be filled out in about 15 minutes.
It can be scary to realize you might have early signs of Alzheimer's or dementia, but once you've completed a SAGE test, it's important to bring your results to a physician who can further assess cognitive abilities.
Remember, even if your score suggests cognitive decline or brain dysfunction, there are many other disorders besides Alzheimer's or dementia that could cause these symptoms. A physician can further assess your brain function and diagnose other treatable causes.
Even if it is determined you are in the early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, there are benefits to being diagnosed early. There are many Alzheimer's and dementia treatments available that, when started early, can help manage the disease and delay symptoms.
It's okay to feel nervous about taking the SAGE test. Any diagnosis of cognitive decline can be alarming. Consider asking a friend or family member to take the test with you. If you're a caregiver or a friend or family member who has concerns about your loved one's cognitive function, offer to complete your own test along with them. This can help them feel supported and more open to discussing the results afterward.
Take the SAGE test today. Download the SAGE test here.
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Read More >Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.
