COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A 2024 study has found a tool developed by researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) is effective in early diagnosis of cognitive disorders when used in the primary care setting.

It is called the SAGE Test and it stands for Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam. It is 12 questions and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

“It’s self administered you don’t need anyone to administer it, just do the best you can, answer these questions, push submit and that’s it,” said Dr. Douglas Scharre, Director of the Division of Cognitive Neurology at the OSUMWC. 

He and others at the hospital developed the test. He said the test, which can be written or done digitally, has been a game changer in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

“It was designed to pick up people with the very earliest changes of cognitive impairment so the new medications that are now available for things like Alzheimer’s disease only work in the early stages of the condition,” Scharre said. “So its even more critical than ever to identify people at an early stage so that there are more options for treatment.”

The study found the test is an effective tool for primary care doctors. Those doctors are often the first to diagnose cognitive issues. The study looked at 100 patients who went in for a routine visit and did not take the test and another 100 who did. New cognitive disorders were diagnosed in 1.5% of patients who did not take the test and 9% of those who did, a six fold increase.

“This study proved it was feasible and it was well received in primary care doctors’ offices. We had used it for many years in our memory disorder clinic and research settings, well that’s different than real life the hustle and bustle of the typical primary care provider visit,” Scharre said.

Scharre said the fact patients can take the test on their own is good for efficiency in offices and early detection. He would like it to expand to the point where it is part of the pre-registration process for primary care appointments for those 65 and up.

“Unfortunately the reality is it’s about three and a half years after someone first complains of cognitive issues that they eventually get seen and evaluated and identified as cognitive impairment, we need to shorten that up,” he said. “Even if you score perfect we can measure over time and see if there’s any changes, but we now have medications and treatments that can help.”

The research also found 86% of primary care providers who were part of the study would recommend SAGE to others in the field.