What is the Memory Comparison Questionnaire?
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire is an online, structured self-report questionnaire. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
It asks about the memory and thinking changes you have personally noticed. It is not a series of memory games, and there are no pass or fail tasks.
It explores several different areas of cognitive functioning. Your responses are scored to give you a structured comparison and a reference point for understanding your concerns.
It is a screening questionnaire. It is not a diagnosis.
If I already know what I have noticed, why take a questionnaire?
I know what I have noticed. What I do not necessarily know is how to put it into context.
When we become worried about memory, individual moments can start to feel disproportionately important. Forgetting a name, misplacing something or losing your train of thought can become the moment you think about repeatedly.
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire approaches the question more systematically. Instead of relying on one incident, it asks structured questions across several areas of memory and thinking.
This can help organise what you have been noticing and provide a clearer reference point for understanding the pattern of your concerns.
It works alongside professional care. The questionnaire does not replace a conversation with your doctor, psychologist or other health practitioner. It can give you structured information that may help you explain what you have been noticing and decide what you want to discuss next.
Seven areas of memory and thinking
Memory is only one part of cognitive functioning. The questionnaire asks about several areas that contribute to how we think, remember and manage everyday information.
Normal changes or something worth looking into?
Our memory and thinking do not stay exactly the same throughout adulthood. Some changes can occur naturally as we get older. What matters is the pattern, how noticeable the change is and whether it is beginning to interfere with everyday life.
Normal age-related changes
- Occasionally taking longer to remember a name
- Becoming a little more forgetful
- Needing more time to recall information
- Becoming distracted more easily
- Finding it harder to manage several things at once
Occasional changes like these can be frustrating, but they do not automatically mean that something is wrong.
Changes that may be worth discussing
- Changes that are becoming persistent
- Changes that are becoming more noticeable
- Changes that appear to be worsening
- Memory or thinking difficulties that interfere with everyday activities
- Changes that are causing ongoing concern
Changes that become persistent, increasingly noticeable, progressively worse, or disruptive to everyday activities may be worth discussing with your doctor (or other health practitioner).
Noticing a change does not automatically mean dementia. If something feels different for you, it is reasonable to pay attention to it.
Normal age-related change is different from clinically significant cognitive decline. The questionnaire itself does not determine a diagnosis.
What does "subjective cognitive decline" mean?
Subjective cognitive decline describes changes in memory or thinking that a person has noticed themselves.
The word "subjective" simply means that the information comes from your own experience and observations.
It does not mean that the change is imaginary, made up or unimportant.
Subjective concerns are different from a formal diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Noticing a change yourself does not mean it will progress, and it does not mean it will not deserve attention. It is a starting point for understanding, not a conclusion.
Memory does not exist in isolation
How clearly we think, concentrate and remember can be influenced by physical health, psychological wellbeing, sleep, stress and other everyday factors. This is one reason that a questionnaire cannot diagnose the cause of memory changes.
There are many possible reasons memory can feel different, including:
- Sleep
- Stress
- Mood
- Hearing
- Medications
- Thyroid issues
- Vitamin B12
- Overall life load
Only a health practitioner can help work out what may be contributing in your situation.
When should changes be discussed with a health practitioner?
It is reasonable to speak with your doctor (or other health practitioner) if:
- The changes are persistent rather than occasional
- They are becoming more noticeable or seem to be getting worse
- They are getting in the way of everyday activities
- They are causing you ongoing concern
You do not need to wait until you feel certain that something is wrong. If you are worried, a conversation is a sensible next step, whatever a questionnaire says.
How it works
Step 1. Complete the questionnaire. Answer structured questions about the memory and thinking changes you have noticed. This takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2. Your responses are scored. Your responses are processed automatically to create your results.
Step 3. Receive your results. Your results are available immediately.
Step 4. Decide what you want to do next. Use the information as a reference point. If you remain concerned, you can discuss the changes you have noticed and your results with your doctor (or other health practitioner).
Understanding your results
Your result is designed to help place your own rating of your memory and thinking into context.
It is a reference point, not a verdict. There is no pass or fail, and no result means you have a "good" or "bad" brain.
What you receive
Your overall score and individual scores across seven areas of cognitive functioning.
Three checks to help understand the results. These checks look at whether answers are consistent, whether difficulties may have been overstated or misrepresented, and whether other factors may affect the results. If the checks raise concerns, the report flags this for the health professional to consider.
What a reassuring result does not mean
A reassuring comparison result does not rule out a cognitive or medical problem.
If you continue to notice changes, if they are affecting daily life, or if you remain concerned, speak with your doctor (or other health practitioner) regardless of your questionnaire result.
What a lower comparison result does not mean
A lower comparison score does not mean that you have dementia or another cognitive disorder.
It may indicate that the concerns you are reporting differ from those reported by many people in the relevant comparison group.
This may be worth discussing further with your doctor or other health practitioner.
The questionnaire gives a reference point, not a diagnosis.
Three ways to read a result
Who it is for
It asks about the memory and thinking changes you have personally noticed. It is not a series of memory games, and there are no pass or fail tasks.
It is a screening questionnaire. It is not a diagnosis.
Contact Psych Press about eligibilityWorried about someone you care about?
Noticing changes in someone you care about can be difficult. You may notice something long before you know how to raise it.
A calm conversation is usually more helpful than trying to diagnose the problem yourself.
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire is based primarily on the individual's own experience and observations. If you think it may be useful, you can share the information with them and allow them to decide whether they want to complete it.
Let it be their decision.
Observations from family members can sometimes be useful as part of a broader professional assessment. They are not a diagnosis, and they do not replace a conversation with a doctor (or other health practitioner).
For health professionals
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire provides structured self-report information about perceived cognitive functioning across seven domains: memory, attention, language, executive functioning, arithmetic, orientation and visuospatial functioning.
Results may be considered alongside observed behaviour, informant information, other relevant clinical information and other assessment data.
The questionnaire does not replace objective neuropsychological assessment, and it is not a diagnostic instrument.
Contact Psych Press about clinical useQuestionnaire and report access
Contact Psych Press about questionnaire access, report delivery, returning to your results and technical support.
Ask about access and supportBefore you start
Ask about interrupted questionnaires, restarting or retaking the questionnaire, payment and the refund policy before purchasing.
Ask a questionFrequently asked questions
What is the Memory Comparison Questionnaire?
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire is an online, structured self-report questionnaire about changes you have noticed in your memory and thinking. It helps you organise your concerns and put your experiences into context.
What is subjective cognitive decline?
Subjective cognitive decline refers to changes in memory or thinking that a person has noticed themselves. The word “subjective” means the information comes from your own experience. It does not mean the change is imaginary or unimportant.
Does noticing memory changes mean I have dementia?
No. Noticing changes in your memory or thinking does not automatically mean you have dementia. Many factors can influence how you think and remember. If you are concerned, a doctor (or other health practitioner) can help you explore what may be happening.
What is the difference between normal age-related changes and changes that may need further attention?
Occasionally taking longer to remember a name or needing more time to recall information can happen as we get older. However, changes that persist, become more noticeable, worsen over time or interfere with everyday activities may be worth discussing with your doctor (or other health practitioner).
Is this an actual memory test?
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire is a screening questionnaire, rather than a test involving memory games or pass-or-fail tasks. It asks you to reflect on changes you have noticed in your memory and thinking.
What does the questionnaire measure?
It explores your own reported experience across seven areas of cognitive functioning:
Memory: Remembering information, people and events.
Attention: Taking in information, maintaining focus and deciding what to concentrate on.
Language: Using and recalling words to understand and communicate thoughts and ideas.
Executive functioning: Mental skills involved in planning, organising, concentration, self-regulation and goal-directed behaviour.
Arithmetic: Using and mentally working with numbers and calculations.
Orientation: Awareness of time, place, surroundings, self and situation.
Visuospatial functioning: Understanding and working with visual information and the space around you.
Your responses are scored to provide a structured reference point for understanding your concerns.
How long does it take?
It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire.
What does it cost?
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire costs $70 AUD. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and your results are available immediately.
What will I receive after completing it?
Your results are available immediately after you complete the questionnaire. The platform generates a report showing your overall score and scores across seven areas of cognitive functioning, along with checks that help identify factors that may affect how the results should be interpreted.
What does a higher comparison result mean?
A higher comparison result means your self-reported experience is more favourable than that of many people in the relevant comparison group. It does not necessarily mean that you have no memory or thinking difficulties.
Your result should be considered alongside what you have noticed in everyday life. If you continue to have concerns, speak with your doctor (or other health practitioner), regardless of your score.
What does a reassuring result mean?
A reassuring result means your reported experience compares favourably with the relevant comparison group. However, it does not rule out a cognitive or medical problem.
If you continue to notice changes or remain concerned, speak with your doctor (or other health practitioner), regardless of your result.
What does a lower comparison result mean?
A lower comparison result means you are reporting more concerns or difficulties than many people in the relevant comparison group. It does not mean you have dementia or another cognitive condition.
You may find it helpful to discuss your concerns and results with your doctor (or other health practitioner).
Can the questionnaire diagnose dementia?
No. The Memory Comparison Questionnaire is a self-report screening questionnaire. It cannot diagnose dementia, Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment or any other medical condition.
Does this replace seeing my doctor (or other health practitioner)?
No. The questionnaire does not replace professional advice or assessment. It can help you organise your observations and provide structured information to discuss with your doctor (or other health practitioner).
Can I show my results to my doctor (or other health practitioner)?
Yes. You can discuss your results with your doctor (or other health practitioner). They may help you explain what you have noticed and identify questions or concerns you would like to explore further.
Can a family member complete it for someone else?
The questionnaire is based on the individual's own experiences and observations, so it is intended to be completed by the person themselves.
Family members may be able to share their observations with a health practitioner as part of a broader assessment.
Can health professionals recommend it to patients?
Health professionals who would like to learn more about using the Memory Comparison Questionnaire in their practice can contact Psych Press to discuss clinical use.
The questionnaire provides structured self-report information and should be considered alongside other relevant clinical information and assessment findings. It is not a diagnostic instrument.
What should I do if I remain concerned about my memory?
If you continue to notice changes in your memory or thinking, or if these changes are affecting your everyday life, speak with your doctor (or other health practitioner). You do not need to wait for a particular questionnaire result before seeking advice.
The Memory Comparison Questionnaire can help you organise your observations, but it cannot determine the cause of your concerns.
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