An integrated circuit includes a primary memory array with cells switchable between first and second states. The circuit also includes sacrificial memory cells; each fabricated to be switchable between the first and second states and associated with at least one row of the primary array. A controller is configured to detect a write operation to a row of the primary array, stress a sacrificial cell associated with the row and detect a failure of the associated sacrificial cell. The sacrificial cells are fabricated to have lower write-cycle endurance than cells of the primary array or are subjected to more stress. Failure of a row of the primary array is predicted based, at least in part, on a detected failure of the associated sacrificial cell.