Memory Changes Checklist
Memory can only be assessed properly with standardised tests. This page does not estimate a "memory age". It asks about changes you've noticed and counts common factors the NHS says can affect memory, such as poor sleep, low mood, alcohol and some medicines.
Before you start
Method : Memory Changes Checklist — a custom points score written by this site. Each answer adds or subtracts the points shown in the Methodology table below.
Validation : Unvalidated. The points have never been tested against any laboratory measurement or health outcome, and the result is not an age.
Review : not reviewed by a qualified clinician. Educational only — not a diagnosis or a medical test.
If memory problems are getting worse or affecting daily life, see a GP. Sudden confusion is an emergency.
Your answers stay in this browser tab; nothing is sent or stored.
Answer the questions, then press Calculate score.
How to Use This Calculator
- Answer each question.
- Press Calculate score.
- Read the breakdown and suggestions.
Methodology & assumptions
Your score is the sum of the points below. The weights are our own judgement. The old version added made-up years for self-rated word recall, short-term memory, diet and mental activity and gave a "memory age". Self-ratings aren't measurements, so they were removed with the age output.
| Factor | Answer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Memory compared with a few years ago | About the same | 0 |
| A little worse | +1 | |
| Clearly worse, others have noticed | +3 | |
| Sleep per night | Under 6 hours | +1 |
| 6 hours or more | 0 | |
| Low mood, anxiety or stress most days | No | 0 |
| Yes | +1 | |
| Alcohol (UK units a week) | 14 or fewer | 0 |
| More than 14 | +1 | |
| Hearing difficulty not treated with hearing aids | No, or I use hearing aids | 0 |
| Yes | +1 | |
| Medicines that can cause drowsiness or confusion | No / not sure | 0 |
| Yes | +1 |
Worked examples
Memory clearly worse, under 6 h sleep, low mood most days, more than 14 units, untreated hearing loss, drowsy medicines: 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = +8 points.
Memory about the same, 7 h sleep, good mood, 14 units or fewer, good hearing, no such medicines: 0 points.
Understanding your result
This counts changes and factors you reported. It is not a memory test, not a dementia screen and not an age. Health-agency guidance linked below is general and based on populations, not on this score.
Sources & further reading
The points table is our own convention and is not taken from these sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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