2. Take the SAGE
A 15-minute screening, that can be carried out at home, can indicate early signs of mental decline, which in turn can suggest a risk of dementia.
The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) asks participants 12 questions, testing their cognitive function.
These range from writing today’s date, to naming animals, to calculating how much change you should receive when doing your shopping.
All you have to do is print the relevant pages, pick up a pen or pencil, and complete the task without help from others.
There is no time limit, but most people take 10 to 15 minutes.
The maximum score is 22. A score of 17 and above is considered normal.
If you score below this or struggle with the test, developed by scientists at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in the US, speak to your GP.
Researchers found that 28 per cent of the 1,000 people they studied who took the test had a mild loss of mental functioning, which closely matched the results from detailed diagnostic checks carried out by health experts.
You can take the test here.