Memory & Dementia Concern Screen
A confidential, gentle screen for memory and thinking changes, informed by the validated AD8 questionnaire and common subjective-memory checklists. It is built to help you decide whether to talk with your doctor. Get an instant, plain-language result and a professional PDF you can bring to that appointment. This is not a dementia diagnosis, and many causes of memory change are reversible.
What this screen looks at, in three areas
Memory is only one part of thinking. This screen also asks about judgment, word-finding, and changes in everyday tasks, because real concerns usually show up as a change from how you used to be, not as a single forgetful moment.
Memory and repetition
Whether you are forgetting recent events, repeating questions or stories, or relying more on notes and reminders than you used to.
Judgment and thinking
Changes in decision-making, problem-solving, handling money or appointments, and keeping track of the date or your place in conversations.
Words and daily tasks
Trouble finding words, and difficulty with everyday activities like cooking, errands, or using familiar devices that used to be straightforward.
| Feature | Typical free quiz | Psychology.com |
|---|---|---|
| Informed by a validated screen (AD8) | Rarely | Yes, adapted faithfully |
| Asks about change over time, not just facts | No | Yes, the right question to ask |
| Covers reversible causes clearly | No | Yes (sleep, thyroid, mood, meds) |
| Strong, clear doctor referral | Often vague | Yes, the central message |
| PDF to bring to your appointment | No | Yes, branded & shareable |
| Avoids alarmist or diagnostic claims | Often alarmist | Yes, careful and kind |
| Confidential (no data sent) | Often tracked | Runs in your browser |
Methodology & sources
This screen is informed by the AD8 Dementia Screening Interview developed by Galvin and colleagues (2005), which asks about change from a person's previous level of ability across memory, judgment, interest, and daily function. It also draws on common subjective-memory checklists used in primary care. Items are phrased so you can answer about yourself or about someone you care for, and they focus on change over time, which is what clinicians actually look for. The original AD8 flags possible cognitive impairment at a low threshold by design, so it errs toward suggesting follow-up.
This is an educational screen for deciding whether to seek an evaluation, not a diagnostic test. It cannot diagnose dementia, Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or any other condition. Critically, many causes of memory and thinking changes are treatable or fully reversible, including poor sleep, thyroid problems, depression and anxiety, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and the side effects of common medications. The only way to sort out the cause is a proper evaluation by a doctor.
- Galvin JE, Roe CM, Powlishta KK, et al. The AD8: a brief informant interview to detect dementia. Neurology. 2005;65(4):559–564.
- Galvin JE, Roe CM, Coats MA, Morris JC. Patient's rating of cognitive ability: using the AD8, a brief informant interview, as a self-rating tool to detect dementia. Arch Neurol. 2007;64(5):725–730.
- Alzheimer's Association. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Chicago, IL: Alzheimer's Association.
- Knopman DS, Petersen RC. Mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia: a clinical perspective. Mayo Clin Proc. 2014;89(10):1452–1459.
Memory & Dementia Concern Screen FAQ
What is the AD8 memory screen?
The AD8 is a short, validated set of questions that asks whether there has been a change from a person's usual level in memory, judgment, interest in activities, and everyday function. It was designed to flag when a fuller evaluation is worthwhile. This screen is informed by the AD8 and by common memory checklists, and it can be answered about yourself or someone you care for.
Does this test diagnose dementia?
No, absolutely not. This is a screen to help you decide whether to talk with a doctor, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified clinician can evaluate memory and thinking changes, usually with a combination of interview, cognitive testing, blood work, and sometimes imaging. A higher result here means a conversation is worthwhile, nothing more.
Are memory problems always serious?
No. Many causes of memory and thinking changes are treatable and some are fully reversible, including poor sleep, stress, depression and anxiety, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, infections, alcohol, and the side effects of common medications. This is exactly why an evaluation matters: it can find a cause that is fixable.
What should I do with my result?
If your result suggests changes worth discussing, bring it to your primary-care doctor. You can download the PDF and hand it over at your appointment. Ask for a memory and cognition evaluation. If you are worried, do not wait, because earlier evaluation gives you the most options whatever the cause turns out to be.
Is the test really confidential?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are never sent to a server, never stored, and never linked to you. No account is needed, and the optional PDF is generated on your own device for you to keep or share with your doctor.