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.
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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.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
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:
The SAGE test can help healthcare providers catch conditions early, including Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection gives more time to plan care and treatment.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
There are different versions of the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam. The questions may vary slightly for each one.
You’ll find questions that involve:
Remember, you don’t need to study or prepare for the SAGE test. You also don’t need to get every answer right.
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.
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:
The scoring may adjust to your age and completed education level.
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.
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You might not be excited about taking a written test. Those days feel long behind you. But the SAGE test is different. You don’t need to study, and there’s no need to feel nervous.
This isn’t a test of your intelligence. It’s a simple way to check how your brain is working, just like a blood pressure cuff checks your heart health.
If your score isn’t where you hoped, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply gives your care team more information to support you.
If you need more testing or follow-up, your provider will walk you through it, step by step.
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If you have a neurological condition, you want expert advice. At Cleveland Clinic, we’ll work to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Last reviewed on 09/29/2025.
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