In the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s, most people are still leading an active and independent lifestyle. They drive, go to work, take care of themselves and their children, and stay socially engaged. Life feels “normal.” They don’t feel different, except for occasional memory lapses or cognitive slips that even friends and family might notice but often disregard. But as the disease progresses, many look back and realize those early signs were more meaningful than they seemed—and frequently wish they had caught them sooner. That’s where a test called SAGE can help, offering a simple way to detect signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia earlier.

I talk a lot about the importance of accepting your Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. By that, I mean doing something about it—now. Granted, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia, but medications and therapies often work best in the earliest stages.

During those small moments of forgetfulness.

When you first start misplacing items you would never dream of misplacing, or asking the same questions repeatedly.

Yes, awareness makes a meaningful difference in preparing for what is ahead, which is why understanding these changes is essential.

Imagine the Possibilities of Catching Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Earlier

• Earlier access to treatment, including clinical trials
• Slow cognitive decline and manage symptoms
• Improve quality of life for longer
• More time for planning and decision-making
• Better management of other health issues
• Improved safety

What Is SAGE?

SAGE, or the self-administered gerocognitive exam, is a simple, downloadable test you can do from home to detect early signs of cognitive, memory, or thinking impairments. Essentially, your answers help physicians know how well your brain is working. It is quite possible to experience some memory loss and to take longer to recall certain events as you age. We all experience this from time to time—and more often than not, we have nothing to worry about.

But if the changes you are experiencing become worrisome to you and your loved ones, SAGE can determine whether further evaluation is necessary. The best part is that all you need to take the SAGE exam is a pen and a piece of paper. If you’d like, there is also a digital version. The SAGE test generally takes 10-15 minutes, though there is no time limit.

1. Download the test
2. Print it out and answer the questions (It’s important to answer without help from anyone else)
3. Take your answer sheet to your doctor

The SAGE test does not diagnose Alzheimer’s or Dementia. That said, your doctor may schedule additional tests depending on what your score ends up being. If the score is low, they can keep the test on file for down the road.

Alzheimer’s Typically Happens in Stages

Currently, the Alzheimer’s Association website lists and describes three stages of Alzheimer’s.

Early Stage—Mild Alzheimer’s

Common difficulties during this stage include:

• Problems coming up with the right word or name
• Challenges with performing tasks in social or work settings
• Losing or misplacing a valuable object
• Increased difficulty with planning or organizing
• Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people

Middle Stage—Moderate Alzheimer’s

This stage is typically the longest and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, dementia symptoms are much more pronounced, and the person with Alzheimer’s will require a greater level of care. A person may have great difficulty performing tasks, such as paying bills, but they may still remember significant details about their life. You will eventually notice them begin to confuse words, get frustrated or angry, and even act in unexpected ways.

Common symptoms that are noticeable to everyone during this stage include:

• Forgetfulness of events or about one’s own personal history
• Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations
• Confusion about where they are or what day it is
• Changes in sleep patterns and increased risk of wandering or becoming lost
• Personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or repetitive behavior

Late Stage—Severe Alzheimer’s

This is the final and most overwhelming stage for the victim and their caregivers. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on conversations, and control movement. Communicating pain also becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills worsen, significant personality changes may occur, and individuals may need extensive help with daily activities we all take for granted.

• Losing awareness of recent experiences and their surroundings
• Needing around-the-clock assistance with daily activities and personal care
• Increased difficulty communicating
• Vulnerability to infections such as pneumonia

Recognizing the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia can feel unsettling, but completing the SAGE test empowers you to start important conversations with your doctor, explore treatment options sooner, and prepare for the road ahead with confidence rather than uncertainty. While SAGE is not a diagnosis, it is a meaningful first step toward understanding what your brain may be trying to tell you.

Call Leigh Hilton PLLC Today!!

At Leigh Hilton PLLC in Denton, TX, we have sat in awe of clients who manage to juggle so much for themselves and their loved ones. Our goal was to build a practice with a team of professionals who work together to have your back at all times—whether that means putting steps in place to protect you and your loved ones or offering practical advice.

Leigh Hilton PLLC wants to be your first call every time for any estate planning or elder law need.

We look forward to serving you.