Now, a self-administered exam known as the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) may help active living seniors diagnose early symptoms of Alzheimer's.
The test is hand-written and takes only 15 minutes to complete.
"People don't come in early enough for a diagnosis, or families generally resist making the appointment because they don't want confirmation of their worst fears. Whatever the reason, it's unfortunate because the drugs we're using now work better the earlier they are started," says Douglas Scharre, a neurologist at the Ohio State University Medical Center, who also developed the test.
The exam asks participants to identify pictures and complete a number of different word puzzles.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, mortality from this debilitating disease is on the rise. Retirement living seniors should take an active role in their health care in order to diagnose illnesses as soon as possible.
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