Dementia cases are on the rise. This is largely due to an aging population, with the World Health Organization estimating that 1 in 6 people will be over the age of 60 by 2030. As the world ages, so too does age-related illness. Cases of dementia are projected to almost double in the U.S. by 2060. One way to meet the rise in dementia cases and lessen its impact on the healthcare system is to equip primary care physicians with the right tools for evaluating cognition.
General practitioners are often the first and most common touchpoint patients have with the healthcare system. However, only 20% to 50% of dementia cases in high-income countries are recognized and documented in primary care. By equipping more physicians with the tools they need to reach an accurate and early dementia diagnosis, more patients can receive treatment before their conditions deteriorate.
This article offers insight into essential tests and resources for healthcare providers, while also analyzing the role computerized cognitive tests can play as an efficient tool for supporting dementia diagnosis.
Early Dementia Symptoms in Elderly Patients
Being able to recognize and identify the early signs of dementia, like memory difficulties, is crucial. After all, in as many as 45% of dementia cases, symptoms can potentially be prevented or delayed if early interventions like lifestyle changes or other treatments are undertaken.
Common early symptoms of dementia can include:
- Memory loss: Forgetfulness, frequently misplacing objects, and short-term memory problems. This symptom is often connected to Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia; Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases in the US.
- Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places, or losing track of the time or date.
- Visuospatial struggles: Difficulties judging distance, color, and spatial relationships between objects, potentially leading to balance issues and challenges with reading or driving.
- Language difficulties: Struggling to find the right words, difficulty using new words, or a loss of language skills, like forgetting how to speak a second language.
- Poor judgment: Making uncharacteristic decisions or having difficulty making decisions altogether.
- Mood changes: Experiencing rapid changes in mood or personality, like sudden depression, anxiety, or irritability.
- Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and showing a preference for social isolation.
- Executive function challenges: Struggling to perform thinking skills like making plans, controlling impulses, paying attention, or solving problems.
Discussing Dementia Symptoms and Cognitive Health
While primary care providers need to recognize the early stages of dementia, it's equally vital that patients are given the space to communicate these symptoms in a way that's straightforward and non-judgmental. There is still a prevalent stigma when it comes to talking about cognitive health, which may discourage patients from openly speaking out.
For example, integrating cognitive screening tools as a routine part of intake may encourage patients to express their symptoms, while also giving physicians a good starting point for opening up the discussion on dementia. Not only does this capture patient data earlier, but it also allows clinicians to identify symptoms that patients may not notice.
Capturing patient data early may be difficult to achieve with traditional pen-and-paper cognitive screeners, which often require a trained professional or clinician to administer; it could be easier with digital cognitive assessments. Computerized cognitive testing can be completed remotely, while retaining the effectiveness and accuracy of traditional screening tools, leaving more time for meaningful conversations about the results.
The Most Common Dementia Screening Tools
Generally, the first step for diagnosing dementia is the initial assessment. The physician may use a cognitive screener to determine the severity of a patient’s cognitive impairment. These cognitive tests for dementia can support decision-making and inform the healthcare provider as to whether or not further testing is necessary.
A healthcare professional may also conduct a physical exam along with reviewing medical history and symptoms to identify alternative underlying conditions or health issues that may be contributing to a patient's symptoms.
Here’s a rundown of commonly used dementia screening tools, along with a look at some more detailed tests that can help support a diagnosis and identify the type of dementia a patient may have.
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Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
One of the most common cognitive assessment tools, the MMSE evaluates cognitive function by testing a patient's concentration, memory, language, problem-solving, motor skills, and spatial awareness. It’s scored out of 30, with lower scores indicating greater cognitive impairment. However, the MMSE is usually not sensitive enough to detect early dementia or mild cognitive impairment, and can only accurately detect cognitive decline in its later stages.
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Mini-Cog
The Mini-Cog combines a three-word recall task with a clock drawing test and can be used to test memory and thinking skills. It’s easy to administer and interpret, making it ideal for primary care settings. While it can help medical professionals identify signs of cognitive impairment when time is limited, it can only determine whether further testing is needed and is not a standalone diagnostic tool.
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Clock Drawing Test
Used on its own or as part of the Mini-Cog, this test asks patients to draw a clock with a specific time. It requires executive function and visuospatial function, but does not provide detailed cognitive data, and requires manual scoring by a trained professional.
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Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
The MoCA evaluates a broad range of abilities, including attention, memory, language, abstraction, and delayed recall. It has demonstrated a 90% sensitivity rate for detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in some settings, but it is generally used with a simple cutoff rather than providing details about cognition, and as a result, it cannot determine the type of cognitive impairment a patient has.
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Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS)
The SLUMS exam tests similar cognitive abilities to the MMSE and MoCA, while also assessing extrapolation skills. It can be an effective tool for identifying early cognitive changes that might otherwise go unnoticed, but it still has the limitations of traditional pen-and-paper screeners.
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Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Questionnaire
While not a cognitive test, the IADL is a self-report questionnaire that assesses a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks like handling finances, cooking, and managing medications. A decline in these areas can be related to cognitive decline.
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Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE)
The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) is designed for the early detection of MCI and dementia. The SAGE is different from many other pen-and-paper screeners in that it can be completed independently by patients in about 10 to 15 minutes. Similar to other pen-and-paper cognitive screeners, however, it can't capture the detailed measurements required to confidently confirm cognitive impairment.
Creyos Cognitive Assessments
Creyos offers a digital alternative to traditional cognitive screeners. One feature that sets Creyos screeners and assessments apart is that they allow for the remote assessment of cognitive and mental abilities, so if desired, patients can take the test from within the comfort of their own homes. Other advantages of digital testing—like advanced cognitive tasks that adapt to performance, automatic scoring, and streamlined workflows—apply to in-person testing as well.
Backed by 30+ years of research and validated through over 400 research studies, Creyos tests have demonstrated high sensitivity when used as a screener for MCI, and provide additional subjective and objective data crucial for supporting a dementia diagnosis.
With the Creyos dementia screener, assessment, and cognitive care plan, healthcare providers can quickly collect the data necessary to inform and support a dementia diagnosis. The built-in care plan helps them track changes over time with detailed reporting, allowing physicians to engage patients in ongoing care to improve their overall quality of life.
Confirming a Diagnosis: Beyond Screening
There is currently no single test that can confirm a dementia diagnosis. Within 2025’s diagnostic process/framework, patients need to go through multiple tests to rule out other conditions and to determine what type of dementia they may have. To identify the specific type—whether Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and so on—additional diagnostic tools are often required:
- Neurological exams assess reflexes, coordination, and sensory responses.
- Neuropsychological testing offers an in-depth cognitive profile. The Creyos dementia assessment provides domain-specific data on cognitive impairment, but further neuropsychological testing by a specialist may be needed in complex cases.
- Blood and lab tests help rule out other conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Physiological tests are also increasingly valuable to aid in dementia diagnosis.
- Brain imaging can reveal structural or metabolic changes that may be associated with dementia pathology.
- Genetic testing may be appropriate when a hereditary form of dementia is suspected.
- Sleep studies can uncover sleep apnea or other sleep-related disorders that may be contributing to cognitive symptoms.
The downside to some of these extensive testing procedures is that they can take months to schedule. Not only does this months-long pause disrupt continuity of care, but it also potentially delays the initiation of valuable interventions.
Current Gaps in Diagnosing Dementia
Despite advances in neuroscience and geriatric care, significant gaps remain in the early and accurate diagnosis of dementia. Gaps in care can be caused by broader societal issues, but they can also result from technological and systemic limitations. These gaps can delay care and impact patient outcomes.
Screener Shortfalls
Many current diagnostic tools are limited in scope, often only able to detect dementia in its more advanced stages. For instance, some traditional cognitive screeners like the MMSE are not sensitive enough to pick up on the earliest signs of cognitive decline.
The assessments also require in-person administration in most cases, making virtual screening unavailable and putting the tests largely out of reach for people living in remote or rural communities.
Confusion and Comorbidities
Dementia symptoms can overlap with normal aging, depression, or other conditions, which may lead to misdiagnosis or diagnostic delays. Tools like Creyos's scientifically validated online dementia screening and assessment offer precise and accurate cognitive testing. With Creyos, physicians can more confidently distinguish between dementia-related cognitive decline and other mental health concerns in the earliest stages of the disease, providing multiple pieces of information that assist with a dementia diagnosis in just 20 minutes.
How Creyos Simplifies Dementia Diagnosis
The Creyos platform helps clinicians address many of the challenges of dementia diagnosis by offering a streamlined, digital approach to cognitive assessment. Unlike traditional screeners—which require in-person administration and can lead to hours-long neuropsychological exams—Creyos assessments can be completed remotely or in the clinic in just 20 minutes. This flexibility frees up valuable time during appointments for meaningful patient conversations and care planning.
The Creyos Dementia Protocol is a structured workflow that combines validated cognitive tests, self-report questionnaires, and a guided care plan. This protocol helps clinicians detect subtle cognitive changes earlier, differentiate dementia from other conditions like depression or normal aging, and monitor cognitive trends over time—all with accessible, easy-to-understand reporting.
Importantly, Creyos can potentially help to reduce the pressures of social stigma by taking a personalized approach to brain healthcare. Because testing can be worked into routine workflows and administered from wherever a patient feels most comfortable, computerized testing may encourage more people to seek cognitive screening without fear of judgment.
Quick and Comprehensive Cognitive Testing
Yukon Neurology, an independent practice in Oklahoma, worked with Creyos to enhance its cognitive assessment process. By integrating Creyos into their workflow, they:
- Reduced the time required for neuropsychological testing from six hours to just two hours.
- Saw an average of 30 patients daily.
- Completed 10 neuropsychological exams weekly.
- Achieved a 99% completion rate for cognitive assessments, up from 94% before using Creyos.
By embedding efficient, evidence-based tools into everyday workflows, Creyos empowers healthcare providers to diagnose dementia earlier, improving healthcare outcomes.
Benefits of Diagnosing Dementia Early
An earlier dementia diagnosis doesn't just benefit patients. It helps their families, healthcare providers, and the broader healthcare system as a whole. Effective diagnostic aid tools like digital cognitive tests can play a major role in diagnosing dementia early on, optimizing care, and improving patient outcomes.
For Patients
- Access to treatments: An earlier diagnosis can lead to earlier access to treatments. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, when dementia is still in its beginning stages, treatments are typically most effective.
- Planning ahead: Once diagnosed, patients can pre-plan and start making decisions about their care, finances, and legal matters.
For Families
- Better support: Families can access support services and resources ahead of time, so they can be better prepared to care for their loved ones.
- Reduced caregiver burden: Early diagnosis can allow caregivers to adapt to their roles gradually, reducing stress and improving well-being.
For Healthcare Providers
- Improved care planning: The early detection of dementia allows physicians to work with patients to create a comprehensive care plan before the later stages of cognitive decline.
- Enhanced patient outcomes: Timely diagnosis tends to lead to better patient outcomes and more efficient use of provider time through more optimized care planning.
For the Healthcare System
- Cost savings: Early intervention can reduce the need for more intensive care as the disease progresses, lowering hospitalization rates through preventative care.
- Reduced administrative burden: Optimizing healthcare workflows with solutions like computerized testing can improve the efficiency of administrative processes.
Supporting Patients Through Their Dementia Diagnosis
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming—not only for patients but for their families and caregivers. Post-diagnosis support helps individuals navigate the emotional, practical, and medical challenges that may arise.
Advance Care Planning
Once a diagnosis is made, patients can work with their providers to create an advanced care plan. This plan should include advance directives such as a living will and assigning a power of attorney for healthcare. It can also provide guidance on medical care and life-sustaining treatment.
Support for Caregivers
Caregivers often experience high levels of emotional and physical stress. Resources such as caregiver respite, training, and support groups can make a significant difference. The CDC recommends involving caregivers in care planning and providing access to educational tools to reduce burnout and improve patient outcomes.
Lifestyle Interventions
For patients who receive an early dementia diagnosis, certain lifestyle changes associated with the modifiable risk factors of dementia may be able to slow cognitive decline. Encouraging patients to engage in whole-person care by staying socially connected, following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and mentally stimulating activities can all contribute to preserving cognitive function and well-being.
Digital Tools and Community Resources
Platforms like Creyos can continue to support post-diagnosis care delivery and care planning by tracking cognitive changes over time. Additionally, connecting patients with Alzheimer’s support groups or dementia-friendly community programs can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead: Building a Better Future for Dementia Care
As dementia diagnoses continue to rise with an aging population, the need for early detection and care is increasing. By equipping primary care providers with accessible, efficient solutions like Creyos, physicians can streamline workflows, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve health outcomes for patients. Dementia care is not a future concern; it’s a present priority. Now is the time to prepare, adapt, and stay informed on dementia and the diagnostic solutions that are available for better cognitive care.
Written by Lawrence Stewen
Lawrence Stewen is an SEO copywriter and content marketer based in Vancouver, Canada. Transforming complex, technical concepts into copy that’s simply human is what he does best. In his free time, you can find him hiking, reading at a local café, or working on his many creative writing projects.
Reviewed by Sydni Paleczny, Staff Scientist
Sydni earned her MSc in Neurosciences at Western University under Dr. Adrian Owen. Her research explores neuropsychological outcomes after cardiac surgery, with interests in cognitive neuroscience, critical care, and brain health. At Creyos, she supports scientific validity, health technology, and ongoing research.