What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, by 2025, approximately 6.5 million people aged 65 and over in the United States will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (https://tinyurl.com/39nvnhc2).
Alzheimer’s disease test:
The following is a self-test designed based on the Alzheimer’s Association and related medical research to help you assess cognitive function. These questions cover memory, language, spatial ability, and logical thinking, and each question is accompanied by options and corresponding scores. Please answer honestly and record your score. After the test, we will determine your potential risk level based on the total score.
Test questions (10 questions in total)
1. Can you remember what day of the week it is today?
A. Yes, no problem at all (0 points)
B. Need to think about it, but can remember it (1 point)
C. Can't remember it at all (3 points)
2. Please try to recall what you had for dinner yesterday.
A. Remember it clearly (0 points)
B. Remember it roughly, but the details are fuzzy (2 points)
C. Can't remember it at all (4 points)
3. If someone tells you a phone number (such as 555-123-4567), can you repeat it immediately?
A. Yes, no problem (0 points)
B. Need to repeat it several times before remembering it (2 points)
C. Can't remember it (3 points)
4. Can you imagine the route from home to the supermarket in your mind?
A. Can clearly imagine each step (0 points)
B. Know it roughly, but it's a little fuzzy (2 points)
C. Can't imagine it at all (4 points)
5. Please name 5 kinds of fruits.
A. Easily say 5 (0 points)
B. Can only say 3-4 (2 points)
C. Less than 3 or can't think of any (3 points)
6. What is today's date? (For example: March 11, 2025)
A. Completely correct (0 points)
B. Only remember the month or year (1 point)
C. Don't know at all (3 points)
7. Can you say 10 words starting with the letter "A" in 1 minute?
A. Easily complete (0 points)
B. Can only say 5-9 (2 points)
C. Less than 5 or can't complete (4 points)
8. Please calculate: What is 20 minus 7?
A. Answer 13 immediately (0 points)
B. Need a few seconds to calculate (1 point)
C. Can't calculate or answer incorrectly (3 points)
9. Can you remember the 3 words you just heard? (e.g. apple, table, car)
A. Remember all (0 points)
B. Remember only 1-2 (2 points)
C. Can't remember any (4 points)
10. Have you often lost your common items (such as keys, glasses) recently?
A. Never or rarely (0 points)
B. Occasionally (1 point)
C. Often and can't find them (3 points)
Scoring method
▸Add the scores of each question to get the total score.
▸Total score range: 0-35 points
Result interpretation
▸0-10 points: normal or mild problems
Your cognitive function seems normal, and there may be no obvious signs of Alzheimer's disease. However, if you have difficulty with certain questions, it is recommended to monitor your memory changes regularly.
▸11-20 points: Mild risk
You may have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. It is recommended to consult a doctor for more professional tests, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
▸21-35 points: Moderate to severe risk
Your score indicates that there may be significant cognitive problems, which may be signs of moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease. Please contact a professional medical institution as soon as possible for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.
This test is not a final diagnostic tool, but it helps you get a preliminary understanding of your cognitive status. The American Academy of Neurology recommends that if you or a family member is concerned about memory problems, seek professional evaluation as soon as possible, as early intervention leads to better outcomes. After the test, you may be curious: What free resources are available in the United States to help me if I find a problem? Please continue reading the next paragraph to learn about the real support channels available.
Paragraph 3: Free Alzheimer's treatment channels in the United States
Although there is currently no complete cure for Alzheimer's disease, the United States provides a variety of free or low-cost resources to help patients manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and provide support for families. Here are several major channels, based on data from March 2025, from sources including the Alzheimer's Association, the National Institute on Aging, and government programs.
1. Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is one of the most authoritative support organizations in the United States, providing free services, including a 24/7 hotline (1-800-272-3900) to answer questions and provide emotional support for patients and families. In addition, the association has local chapters across the country (such as California, New York, etc.), and regularly holds free educational lectures and support groups to help patients understand disease management methods. According to its 2024 annual report, the association provides direct support to more than 600,000 families each year, and all services are free. You can find the chapter closest to you through the official website (alz.org), or call the hotline for personalized advice. (https://www.alz.org/)
2. Medicare and Medicaid programs
For American residents over 65 years old, Medicare (federal health insurance) covers part of the diagnosis and treatment costs of Alzheimer's disease, including cognitive assessments, doctor visits, and certain medications (such as donepezil). According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), approximately 4.8 million Alzheimer's patients received help through Medicare in 2023. For low-income people, Medicaid provides more comprehensive free support, including long-term care services. The application process can be completed through medicare.gov or local social service offices, and the specific coverage varies from state to state. For example, California’s Medi-Cal program provides free home care services to eligible patients. (https://tinyurl.com/wzm5ercj)
3. Clinical trials funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA)
NIA-supported Alzheimer’s research offers the opportunity to participate in clinical trials for free. These trials typically test new drugs (such as Lecanemab) or therapies, and participants receive cutting-edge treatments and regular health monitoring at no charge. According to ClinicalTrials.gov (a U.S. clinical trial database), as of March 2025, there are more than 300 active Alzheimer’s-related trials in the United States. For example, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston is testing a nasal vaccine that participants pay nothing for and receive long-term follow-up from a professional team. You can find suitable trials by visiting clinicaltrials.gov, searching for “Alzheimer’s” and filtering for “recruiting” projects. （https://tinyurl.com/3ww9wsh4）
4. Community Health Centers and Nonprofit Organizations
Local community health centers (Federally Qualified Health Centers, FQHCs) across the United States provide free or low-cost initial diagnosis and consultation services to low-income or uninsured people. According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), there will be about 1,400 FQHCs providing dementia-related support to older patients in 2024. In addition, nonprofit organizations such as the Memory Care Alliance provide free memory screening and care programs in some states (such as Illinois and Texas), serving more than 100,000 people in 2023. You can find a nearby center through hrsa.gov, or contact your local senior service center for more information. （https://tinyurl.com/3v4787ja）
5. Veterans Affairs (VA) Services
For U.S. veterans, the VA provides comprehensive free medical support, including Alzheimer's diagnosis, medication, and long-term care. According to VA's official website in 2024, approximately 500,000 veteran patients received treatment through the system, and all services were free for eligible veterans. Applicants only need to prove their service record to register through the local VA hospital. For example, the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles offers specialized dementia care programs, including family support and rehabilitation training. (https://www.va.gov/)
Take action to protect your brain health
Alzheimer's disease may be a health challenge for you or your family in the future, but you can better prepare for this disease through early testing and taking advantage of the rich free resources in the United States. After completing the above test, if you find potential problems, don't hesitate to call the Alzheimer's Association hotline or visit medicare.gov to learn next steps. Your health deserves every bit of attention, and the support system in the United States has you covered.
