Memory Loss Screening Test
Take our free memory loss screening test. This 15-question assessment evaluates short-term memory, recall ability, and cognitive function to identify potential concerns.
What causes memory problems?
Memory problems have many possible causes, and most of them are not dementia. The most common causes of forgetting are entirely benign: stress and anxiety (which impair memory encoding), poor sleep (which affects memory consolidation), medication side effects, depression, thyroid disorders, and normal age-related cognitive change.
Normal age-related memory change is gradual and typically affects retrieval speed — it takes a bit longer to recall names or words — rather than destroying memories altogether. The word on the tip of your tongue that comes back later is typical age-related change. Forgetting conversations that definitely happened, getting lost in familiar places, or repeating questions within minutes are more concerning signs.
Dementia is not a single disease — it's an umbrella term for a group of conditions causing progressive cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease accounts for around 60-80% of dementia cases. Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are others. Early detection matters because some causes of cognitive decline are treatable.
Warning signs worth taking seriously
Memory changes that warrant medical attention include: forgetting recently learned information (not just names from long ago), asking the same questions repeatedly in a short space of time, difficulty with familiar tasks like cooking a known recipe or managing finances, confusion about dates and times, misplacing items in unusual places (like putting keys in the fridge), and withdrawal from social activities.
Changes in personality, mood, or judgement are often early signs of dementia that family members notice before the person themselves. Increasing confusion, suspicious thinking, or uncharacteristic behaviour in a person over 65 is worth raising with a doctor.
Many people fear dementia when noticing memory changes, but get a proper assessment rather than either reassuring yourself or catastrophising. Many causes of memory problems are treatable — and if the cause is dementia, earlier diagnosis leads to better planning and access to appropriate care.
About this test
This memory screening tests recall, recognition, and working memory — three core components of memory function. It's not a dementia test, but it gives an indication of how well your memory is currently functioning across several dimensions.
The test is designed for adults of any age. Results should be interpreted in context — a single bad day (poor sleep, high stress, illness) will affect your score. If you're consistently experiencing memory difficulties, that's more significant than a single poor test result.
If you score in the lower ranges and have concerns, speak with your GP. A formal cognitive assessment — typically the MMSE or MoCA — is the appropriate clinical tool for evaluating memory concerns.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Score Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–15 | Normal Range | Your memory function appears to be within the normal range. Occasional forgetfulness is completely normal and expected. |
| 16–30 | Mild Concerns | Your responses indicate some mild memory concerns. Stress, sleep quality, and lifestyle factors can significantly impact memory. Consider addressing these first. |
| 31–45 | Moderate Concerns | Your responses suggest moderate memory difficulties. It may be worth discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider to rule out treatable causes. |
| 46–60 | Significant Concerns | Your responses indicate significant memory difficulties. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider for a thorough cognitive evaluation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is forgetting names a sign of dementia?
Occasional name-forgetting is extremely common and almost always benign. It becomes more concerning when it's happening frequently, when you forget names of close family members, or when other memory symptoms are also present.
At what age does memory start to decline?
Some processing speed measures begin declining as early as the mid-20s, but meaningful memory decline typically becomes noticeable in the 60s and 70s. Significant memory impairment before 65 is considered early-onset.
Can stress cause memory problems?
Yes, significantly. Chronic stress raises cortisol, which impairs the hippocampus — the brain region central to memory formation. Reducing chronic stress often leads to meaningful improvement in memory function.
What should I do if I'm worried about my memory?
See your GP. They can review medications, check thyroid function and vitamin B12 levels, assess mood and sleep, and refer you for specialist assessment if needed. Early assessment is always better.