Understanding changes in memory and thinking.
Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE)
The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination is a short set of tasks that gives a first picture of your thinking skills along with a conversation about your concerns. It is a neuropsychological assessment that looks at how your memory, attention, language, and thinking skills are working. People often ask for one when they, or the people close to them, have noticed changes such as forgetting recent conversations, losing the thread of what they were saying, or finding it harder to find words or plan ahead.
What the questionnaire looks at.
Attention and orientation
How well you can concentrate and keep track of things and whether you are aware of the date, the place, and the time.
Memory
How well you can learn and remember new information and how well you recall things from earlier in life.
Verbal fluency
How easily words come to you when you are asked to think of examples.
Language
How well you understand sentences, name objects, repeat phrases, read, and write.
Visual and spatial skills
How well you copy drawings, judge shapes and space, and recognize objects and letters.
The wider picture
Your psychologist also considers things that can affect memory and thinking, such as low mood, anxiety, poor sleep, stress, difficulties with hearing or vision, and some medicines.
Note: Are you unsure whether this is the right assessment? A short conversation with our team is a good place to start. We will recommend the right option for your situation.
Why this assessment may be recommended
You or your family have noticed more forgetfulness than usual.
You lose track of conversations, appointments, or what you were about to do.
Finding the right word has become harder.
Planning, organizing, or following instructions has become harder than it used to be.
You have had a head injury, an illness, or another medical event and want to understand how it may have affected your thinking.
Your doctor has suggested a closer look at your memory and thinking skills.
How the assessment works.
- 1Step 1
A conversation first
You meet a psychologist to talk about the changes you have noticed, when they began, and how they affect everyday life. If a family member or friend knows you well, it can help to bring them along if you are comfortable with that.
- 2Step 2
The tasks
Your psychologist takes you through a series of short tasks. Some ask you to remember information, some ask you to think of words, and some use pen and paper.
- 3Step 3
Scoring and review
Your psychologist scores the tasks and looks at the results together with your history, how you have been feeling, and anything else that may affect memory and thinking.
- 4Step 4
Feedback and next steps
You have a complimentary feedback session of about 30 minutes where your report is explained in plain language and next steps are discussed.
Confidential and clinically guided
Your assessment is carried out with professionalism, dignity, and confidentiality. Your psychologist explains what they find in plain language, and you can ask questions at any point.
Please note: The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) is a screening test. It gives a first picture of how your memory and thinking skills are working. It cannot diagnose a condition on its own. A lower score means a closer look may help. Many things can affect the result, including mood, anxiety, sleep, stress, language, and the number of years you spent in education. A diagnosis is a clinical decision made after looking at the full picture, and it may involve a doctor.
Things people ask
No. It is natural to feel nervous, and the tasks are not meant to trick you. The most helpful thing you can do is try each task to the best of your ability.
No preparation is needed. Please bring your glasses and any hearing aids you normally use along with a list of any medicines you take.
No. A lower score means a closer look may help. Many things can affect memory and thinking, including low mood, anxiety, poor sleep, stress, some medicines, and difficulties with hearing or vision. A diagnosis of dementia is made after a fuller assessment, which may include a doctor and other tests.
Your concerns still matter. A short screening test may not pick up every change. Your psychologist talks through what may help next, which could include a fuller assessment or a repeat at a later time.
No. Memory and thinking can be affected at any age by stress, poor sleep, low mood, illness, or injury, among other things. The assessment is for adults.
Yes. The person taking the assessment needs to agree to it. Our care coordinator can advise on how to begin that conversation.
Your psychologist talks through your report with you. Depending on what the assessment shows, they may suggest a fuller assessment, a review with a doctor, practical strategies, or support for mood or sleep.
Your results are kept confidential with the standard exceptions required by law such as a risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else. We talk with you about who will receive them before anything is shared.
Want to arrange an assessment, or just ask a question?
Our care coordinator will talk you through what to expect confidentially.
If you need urgent help: Are you in immediate distress? Please call iCall 9152987821 for immediate support.