SAGE Test
The SAGE test is a short, self-administered evaluation that screens for early signs of memory or thinking problems like dementia. You take it on your own, at home or at your provider’s office. It’s simple and there’s no studying needed. It can catch issues early. This helps your providers plan for better care.
What Is the SAGE Test?
The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination, or SAGE test, is a short test you take by yourself to check for early signs of cognitive impairment. These can include mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
It’s not a diagnostic test. It’s a screening tool that helps identify possible signs of cognitive decline.
You’ll read questions and write down your answers. You don’t need to study or prepare.
SAGE looks at the following skills:
- Executive function: How you plan, stay organized and manage tasks
- Language: How well you understand and use words
- Memory: How well you remember information
- Orientation: Knowing the date, time and where you are
- Reasoning: Your ability to solve problems
- Visuospatial abilities: How well you can tell where things are around you and how they fit together
The SAGE test can help healthcare providers catch conditions early, including Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection gives more time to plan care and treatment.
When is the SAGE test performed?
A healthcare provider may suggest the SAGE if there are concerns about your memory or thinking skills. It can also be part of a routine checkup if you’re over age 65 and showing signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
You can take the test at home or in your provider’s office.
How does the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination work?
SAGE works in the same way as a test you’d take in school. It’s on a piece of paper. You’ll use a pen or a pencil to write in your answers. There’s also an online version where you can use a tablet. You should follow the directions and answer the questions.
Just like a test in school, you shouldn’t ask others to help you with the answers. It’s OK if you don’t know an answer. You don’t need to get a perfect score to pass.
There are 12 questions on the test. There’s no time limit. You can take as much time as you need to finish it.
When you finish the test, give it back to your provider. They’ll add up your score and let you know the results.
How do I prepare for the SAGE?
You don’t need to prepare for the SAGE test.
You’ll need to know how to read and write in order to take it. But spelling doesn’t count against your score. If you have trouble with these skills, your provider may offer a different test.
This is meant to show how your thinking and memory are working right now. It’s similar to other tests your provider uses to check your health. Try to be honest with your care team about how you’re feeling. If you overprepare, it might affect the results and make it harder to understand what’s really going on.
SAGE test sample questions
There are different versions of the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam. The questions may vary slightly for each one.
You’ll find questions that involve:
- Counting.
- Drawing.
- Naming objects.
- Remembering.
- Identifying pictures.
Remember, you don’t need to study or prepare for the SAGE test. You also don’t need to get every answer right.
When should I know the results of the SAGE test?
You’ll usually get your results quickly. It doesn’t take long for your provider to score the test.
If you take the test in your provider’s office, you may get them during the same visit or by your next appointment. If you take the test at home, you’ll get your results when you bring the completed test to your provider to review.
What type of results do you get and what do they mean?
Each question is worth points. The total number of points you can get is 22. Your provider will calculate this score for you.
Here’s what the SAGE scores mean:
- 17 to 22: Normal thinking and memory skills
- 15 to 16: Signs of thinking and memory problems
- 14 and lower: Signs of more serious thinking and memory issues
The scoring may adjust to your age and completed education level.
What happens if my SAGE test results aren’t normal?
If your SAGE score isn’t in the normal range, don’t panic. Your healthcare provider will use the results to decide if you need more tests to better understand what’s going on.
Sometimes, feeling nervous can affect how you do on the test — that’s completely normal.
Your provider may give you other cognitive tests to learn more. They might also order blood tests or imaging tests (like a brain scan).
If they find an underlying condition, your provider will talk with you about treatment options to manage symptoms.
References
- Kessels RPC, van Bergen FS, Harmsen IJ, et al. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE): Equivalence of Parallel Versions and Validity in Cognitively Unimpaired Controls and Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia in a Memory Clinic (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12101880/). Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2025 Apr-Jun 01;39(2):87-92. Accessed 9/29/2025.
- Scharre DW, Chang SI, Murden RA, et al. Self-administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE): a brief cognitive assessment Instrument for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20220323/). Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2010 Jan-Mar;24(1):64-71. Accessed 9/29/2025.
- Scharre DW, Chang SI, Nagaraja HN, et al. Digitally translated Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (eSAGE): relationship with its validated paper version, neuropsychological evaluations, and clinical assessments (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5488440/). Alzheimers Res Ther. 2017 Jun 27;9(1):44. Accessed 9/29/2025.
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