Advancements in Alzheimer's Disease Detection & Risk Assessment

Recent Alzheimer’s research suggests that preclinical signs of Alzheimer’s disease may be evident as early as 20 years before the disease actually sets in. This allows for much earlier intervention. By the time your memory begins to noticeably deteriorate, about 40-50 percent of your brain cells have already been damaged or destroyed.

Early detection is all the more crucial considering estimates suggest Alzheimer’s diagnoses may triple by 2050, reaching nearly 14 million in the US and 115 million worldwide.

A Self-Administered Test May Predict Your Risk for Dementia:

There is a Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) test. It’s a 15-minute at-home test developed by Douglas Scharre, M.D., of the Division of Cognitive Neurology at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. You just need a pen.

Link To Download the SAGE test

The SAGE test is beneficial if you, a friend or a family member are concerned that there might be cognitive issues, or you may wish to have it done as a baseline test, even if you don’t suspect any cognitive deficits.
Unfortunately, many people do not seek early help. There are many treatable causes of cognitive and thinking loss and in some cases treatments can be very effective,-especially if provided when symptoms first begin.

Remember that SAGE does not diagnose any specific condition. The results of SAGE will not tell you if you have Alzheimer’s disease, mini-strokes or any number of other disorders. The results can help your doctor know if a further evaluation is necessary.

After you complete the test, take it to your primary care physician. If indicated, your doctor will order some other tests to further evaluate your symptoms, or refer you for a further evaluation.

15 Alzheimer’s Prevention Strategies, From Dr. Joseph Mercola:

1. Eat real food
2. Avoid sugar and refined foods
3. Avoid gluten and casein
4. Optimize your gut flora
5. Increase consumption of all healthy fats, including animal-based omega-3s
6. Reduce your overall calorie consumption and/or intermittently fast
7. Improve your magnesium levels
8. Eat a nutritious diet, rich in folate.
9. Exercise regularly
10. Optimize your vitamin D levels
11. Avoid and eliminate mercury from your body
12. Avoid and eliminate aluminum from your body
13. Avoid flu vaccinations
14. Avoid anticholinergics and statin drugs
15. Challenge your mind daily

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