Memory worries prompt thousands to take online test

If you worry that your sketchy memory might be a sign of imminent Alzheimer’s disease, you are not alone.

Some 20,000 people have done an online memory test since it was launched in May by Cogniciti Inc., the company reported yesterday.
The free 20-minute assessment, available at www.cogniciti.com, is intended to help aging adults worried about their memory determine whether or not they need to discuss their concerns with a doctor.

"A great many Canadians are finding it tough to decide when to bring their memory concerns to their doctors," said Cogniciti president Mike Meagher. "Our mission with the test is to get the right people in to see the doctor and reduce unnecessary visits by the worried well."

The test was developed by clinical neuropsychologists and cognitive scientists at Baycrest Health Sciences, affiliated with the University of Toronto, and its Rotman Research Institute. Designed for adults aged 50-79, it comprises a series of game-like mental challenges that tap into memory and attention performance, including remembering the location of hidden objects and matching names to faces.

People who take the test receive an immediate brain health score upon completion to see where they rank compared to other adults with same age and education.

According to Cogniciti, the vast majority of test takers scored in the normal, healthy range for their age/education, with only two percent having below normal results.

The company also noted that 41 per cent of participants were in their 60s, 64 per cent were women, and 64 per cent had a college or university degree.

Close to one-quarter (24 per cent) of Cogniciti test takers stated on the pre-test health questionnaire that they had significant memory concerns, yet only 2.1 per cent had cognitive score results below the normal range for their age and education. This finding confirmed how widespread memory concerns are in Canada with older adults, said Meagher, and how difficult it is for most adults to determine on their own whether their forgetfulness is simply normal aging or a more serious issue.

Those who do score in the low range are encouraged to print their report and take it to their doctor to start the conversation about their memory concerns.

"For those who score poorly on the test, it doesn't necessarily mean you have dementia or Alzheimer's. Getting checked by a doctor is the best way to rule out other health problems that could be causing your cognitive issues," said Dr. Angela Troyer, program director of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health at Baycrest, and a lead member of the project team that developed the online test.

"If it turns out that you do have a significant problem with your memory, then early diagnosis along with science-based education and interventions will help you maintain your cognitive health and independence for as long as possible, and enable you and your family to plan for the care and support you'll need in future." 
Founded in 2010 by Baycrest Health Sciences and MaRS Discovery District, Cogniciti Inc. is a for-profit company that provides brain health assessment, diagnosis, treatment and coping tools.