What about memory screening?

Memory screening usually involves a simple mental status test that uses a numerical score to indicate presence or absence of cognitive impairment.

The Alzheimer Society, with advice from leading dementia researchers and clinicians in Canada, does not support memory screening to identify people who should be seen by a physician for a diagnostic evaluation.

These brief mental tests often result in “false positive” or “false negative” results that are inaccurate.

Making a diagnosis of dementia takes time and expertise of skilled practitioners. There is no single test that can tell whether a person does or does not have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

See your doctor if you are concerned about possible symptoms of dementia.

Learn more about population-based memory screening.