When a parent begins forgetting names, repeating questions, or showing unusual changes in behavior, it’s natural to wonder: Is this normal aging, or could it be dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? Families often want answers before seeking a professional diagnosis.

While only a doctor can confirm dementia, there are reliable ways to identify whether your parent may be showing early signs of cognitive decline. This article explores the differences between normal aging and dementia, reviews validated home dementia tests like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS), and explains how to use these tools responsibly.

If you’re searching for how to know if your mom has Alzheimer’s or how to test your dad for dementia at home, this guide will give you the clarity you need.

Normal Aging vs. Early Signs of Dementia in Parents

It’s important to distinguish between normal memory changes and early dementia symptoms. Occasional forgetfulness—like misplacing keys or needing a reminder about an appointment—usually falls within normal aging.

Dementia, however, goes beyond this. If your parent forgets significant events, repeats questions endlessly, or shows confusion about familiar places, this could be more than just aging. Similarly, if they struggle to follow multi-step instructions, manage finances, or cook recipes they’ve known for years, those are red flags.

Personality changes can also signal cognitive decline. While normal aging doesn’t usually affect judgment, dementia can cause poor decision-making, risky financial choices, or uncharacteristic irritability.

Warning Signs: How to Know if Your Mom or Dad Has Alzheimer’s or MCI

Families are often the first to notice small but important shifts. Watch for:

• Persistent memory problems, such as forgetting close family members’ names or getting lost in familiar neighborhoods.
• Language difficulties, like struggling to follow conversations or using incorrect words.
• Declines in executive function, making planning, organizing, or problem-solving difficult.
• Visuospatial challenges, including misjudging distances or difficulty reading maps.
• Mood and personality changes, such as depression, anxiety, withdrawal, or paranoia.

If these symptoms appear consistently, it may point toward mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

Home Dementia Tests and Cognitive Screening Tools

If you’re looking for a self-administered dementia screening, several well-researched tools are freely available. These tests don’t replace a professional diagnosis, but they can help you gauge whether further evaluation is necessary.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

The MoCA test is widely recommended for detecting MCI and dementia. It covers memory, attention, executive function, language, orientation, and visuospatial skills.

• Time: About 10 minutes
• Score: Out of 30 points
• Normal: 26 or higher
• Mild impairment: 18–25
• Moderate impairment: 10–17
• Severe impairment: below 10

MoCA is highly sensitive—around 90% accurate for identifying MCI. You can access it at mocacognition.com.

Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS)

The SLUMS test is another effective home dementia test. It evaluates recall, problem-solving, and orientation with tasks like story recall and clock drawing.

• Scored out of 30 points
• Cutoffs depend on education level (adjustments for those without a high school diploma)
• 27–30 = normal, 21–26 = MCI, 1–20 = dementia

SLUMS is available free from slu.edu.

Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS)

A shorter option developed at Saint Louis University, the RCS test is ideal for quick checks. It includes recalling objects and drawing a clock—simple but useful when you want fast insight.

Informant-Based Tools

Sometimes your parent may not recognize their own decline. In these cases, caregiver questionnaires are especially valuable:

• IQCODE (Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly) – caregivers rate changes over 10 years.
• GPCOG (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition) – combines a short test with caregiver input.

Other Screening Tools

• ACE-III and Mini-ACE: more detailed, multi-domain testing (Mini-ACE takes under 5 minutes).
• MCI Screen: highly accurate but typically only available in clinical settings.

How to Administer a Home Dementia Test

To get reliable results:

• Choose a quiet, distraction-free space.
• Test at a time when your parent is well-rested and calm.
• Repeat the test every few months to watch for changes over time.
• Consider education and cultural background—for example, MoCA adds one point if the person has 12 or fewer years of schooling.

Tracking scores over time is often more useful than a single result. A drop from 26 to 23 within six months tells a more important story than just a score of 23 in isolation.

Interpreting the Results of a Home Dementia Test

Remember: a low score on MoCA, SLUMS, or any other test does not automatically mean your parent has Alzheimer’s. Some treatable conditions—like depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects—can mimic dementia.

The best approach is to use these tests as early warning tools. If your parent consistently scores below normal, or if you see functional decline in daily life, it’s time to seek a professional evaluation.

Supporting Brain Health at Home

Even if you discover signs of mild cognitive impairment, there are ways to support your parent’s brain health:

• Encourage regular physical activity (walking, yoga, swimming).
• Promote cognitive stimulation through puzzles, reading, or learning new skills.
• Support social engagement, as isolation accelerates decline.
• Ensure healthy sleep and nutrition, including a diet rich in vegetables, lean protein, and omega-3 fats.
• Consider structured programs like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), shown to boost memory and mood in early dementia (available through slu.edu).

A Family Example

Imagine your dad, once sharp with numbers, begins making mistakes in his checkbook. Soon, he forgets a family birthday, then struggles to recall a short grocery list. You try the MoCA test and he scores 23. Six months later, his score drops to 20, and you’ve noticed he avoids conversations he once enjoyed.

This combination—daily life decline, documented test scores, and behavior changes—makes a strong case for professional assessment.

Checklist of At-Home Dementia Tools

• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS)
• Rapid Cognitive Screen (RCS)
• Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE)
• General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG)
• Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III or Mini-ACE)
• MCI Screen (clinical access only)

Final Thoughts: Taking Action if You Suspect Dementia

If you’ve been searching “how to test for dementia at home” or “early signs of Alzheimer’s in my parent”, the tools above will give you clarity. But remember: these are screening tools, not definitive answers.

The best approach is to combine careful observation, home dementia testing, and medical evaluation. If your parent’s results or behavior suggest decline, book an appointment with a doctor. The earlier dementia is recognized, the more options families have for planning, treatment, and support.

You may not be able to provide an official diagnosis at home, but you can take the first step in ensuring your parent receives the care they need.