Patient & Caregiver FAQs

Questions About BrainCheck

How do I get a new PIN code?
Some installations of BrainCheck require a PIN. If your PIN was ordered by your doctor or clinic, BrainCheck cannot reassign it directly. You will need to contact the doctor who ordered your test and ask them to send you a new PIN.

How do I log in for remote testing?
Your doctor will send you a link and instructions. Follow the instructions and complete the assessment in a quiet place free from distractions and interruptions. If you have trouble accessing the test, contact your doctor, who can send you a new one.

How long will BrainCheck take?
BrainCheck Screen will take 3-5 minutes to complete. The BrainCheck assessment may take 10-15 minutes to complete.

What happens after I complete my BrainCheck assessment?
As soon as you finish, BrainCheck generates scores and a report for your doctor. Your doctor reviews the results and discusses them with you, along with your symptoms, medical history, and any other testing.

What should I do if I’m worried about my results?
Speak with your doctor. Ask what the results mean in your specific case, whether additional testing is needed, and what next steps are appropriate. Early conversation leads to clearer understanding and better planning.

Why am I being asked to complete BrainCheck?
Your doctor may ask you to complete BrainCheck to track your cognitive health. As we age, our cognitive abilities may face some natural changes. Oftentimes, there is nothing to worry about, but it’s important for your doctor to track it.

Can BrainCheck track changes over time?
Yes. Repeating the assessment allows your doctor to look for patterns. Stable scores may suggest no progression. Gradual decline may indicate a developing condition. Tracking trends is often more meaningful than a single test.

What BrainCheck Measures

What are the cognitive domains tested in BrainCheck Assess?
BrainCheck evaluates several specific areas of thinking. Each area is called a cognitive domain.

What is Attention?
Attention refers to your ability to focus, concentrate, and stay on task. It affects your ability to follow conversations, complete tasks without getting distracted, and process information in real time.

What is Memory?
Memory measures your ability to learn new information and recall it later. This includes remembering words, instructions, recent events, and details from conversations.

What is Processing Speed?
Processing speed reflects how quickly your brain can take in information, understand it, and respond. Slower processing speed can make thinking feel delayed or effortful.

What is Mental Flexibility?
Mental flexibility is your ability to switch between tasks, adjust to new rules, and think in different ways. Difficulty in this area may make multitasking or adapting to change more challenging.

What is Executive Function?
Executive function includes higher-level skills such as planning, organizing, problem-solving, decision-making, and managing complex tasks. It helps you manage daily responsibilities and stay independent.

What areas of thinking does BrainCheck test?
BrainCheck evaluates attention, memory, processing speed, mental flexibility, and executive function, which includes planning and decision-making.

Does BrainCheck diagnose Alzheimer’s or dementia?
No. BrainCheck is a clinical support tool. It does not make a diagnosis by itself. Your doctor combines test results with your history, physical exam, lab work, imaging, and other information before making a diagnosis.

If my score is low, does that mean I have Alzheimer’s?
No. Many conditions can affect thinking. Poor sleep, depression, anxiety, medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, alcohol use, and other medical issues can all impact performance. Your doctor evaluates these possibilities before making conclusions.

Does BrainCheck recommend or prescribe medications?
No. BrainCheck does not prescribe medications. Treatment decisions are made between you and your healthcare doctor based on your diagnosis, medical history, and goals of care.

General Questions

Does everyone with memory loss have Alzheimer’s disease?
No. Memory changes can have many causes, and some are reversible. A proper medical evaluation is important before assuming Alzheimer’s.

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
MCI is a stage where memory or thinking changes are noticeable, but a person remains mostly independent. Some people with MCI have early Alzheimer’s disease. Others do not. Determining the cause is important.

Why does early diagnosis matter?
Some newer treatments are only approved for people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These treatments cannot be used in moderate or advanced dementia. Early evaluation provides more options and allows for better planning.

Are there treatments that slow Alzheimer’s disease?
There are medications approved for early Alzheimer’s that aim to slow progression by removing amyloid protein from the brain. They are not cures and do not restore lost memory. They are only used in carefully selected patients with confirmed early disease.

Why can’t disease-modifying drugs be used in advanced dementia?
These drugs target amyloid, which builds up early in the disease. In advanced stages, widespread nerve cell damage has already occurred, and removing amyloid no longer meaningfully changes outcomes.

What medications help with symptoms of dementia?
Some long-standing medications may improve memory, focus, or daily functioning for certain people. These drugs do not slow the disease but can help manage symptoms. Your doctor decides if they are appropriate based on stage and overall health.

Are there new treatments being developed?
Researchers are studying therapies that target tau protein, inflammation, and other brain processes. Some experimental drugs are pills rather than infusions. These treatments are still in clinical trials and are not yet widely available.

For Caregivers

I’m caring for someone with memory changes. Where can I find support?
Caring for someone with cognitive changes can be challenging. National organizations like Alzheimer’s Association offer education, support groups, and caregiver resources. You can also visit Alzheimers.gov to explore federal resources in one place.

Are there local services that can help caregivers?
Yes. Many communities offer various services. You can search for local services through USAging.org. Your loved one’s doctor or primary care clinic may also have a list of community resources.

How can I talk to the doctor about changes I’m noticing?
Caregivers often notice subtle changes first. Write down specific examples of memory issues, behavior changes, safety concerns, or functional difficulties and share these observations with the doctor.