Neurologist reveals 5 2-minute checks that may uncover hidden indicators of early dementia
Are you concerned your memory is not what it used to be?
Now, a neurologist has revealed some quick and easy tests that can reveal if your forgetfulness could be something for sinister.
US based Neurologist Dr Baibing Chen, who goes by Dr Bing on social media, shared five simple tests that involve drawing clocks and counting while walking, that he said can spot the early signs of dementia.
In the video which has amassed 178,000 views on TikTok Dr Bing explains that these seemingly simple tests reveal if certain parts of the brain are working as they should.
The memory-robbing condition affects millions of people worldwide, slowly taking away their independence.
But an early diagnosis means patients can access treatments that combat symptoms, slowing the progression of the decline.
The first test is a simple stand on one leg exercise. Patients should try and remain in the position for 30 seconds to check their balance and motor coordination.
‘For those with two legs and no mobility issues, difficulty standing on one leg for at least 30 seconds has been lined to a higher risk of dementia and stroke,’ said Dr Bing.
‘This is because it can reflect subtle deficits in the brain areas controlling your balance and motor skills,’ he added.
Dementia can affect a person’s mobility especially in the later stages, according to Alzheimer’s UK.
The charity explains that it can cause people to gradually lose their ability to walk, stand and get up. They may also be more likely to fall over and struggle with their balance.
The second test listed by Dr Bing is a smell test whereby the participant is asked to identify a series of odours.
That’s because early dementia can affect the smell centre of your brain.
Dr Bing said: ‘Problems with smell identification can indicate neurodegeneration such as in those with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.’
One 2017 study revealed that cognitively healthy 57 to 85-year-olds who have difficulty detecting odours are more likely to develop dementia five years later.
The next test listed by Dr Bing is the clock-drawing test. The tool — which is used in some NHS diagnostic clinics — involves simply asking someone to draw a clock face on a blank piece of paper.
The clock drawing test relies on the patient remembering what a clock face looks like — a skill known as executive function, which involves how we plan, organise and complete tasks
They must add all the numbers from one to 12 and then set the hands to a specific time, for example 11.10 (ten past 11).
The task relies on the patient remembering what a clock face looks like — a skill known as executive function, which involves how we plan, organise and complete tasks.
Dr Bing said: ‘I just ask a patients to draw a clock showing a specific time. If somebody has difficulty with spatial organisation, attention and planning, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, this task can be very difficult.’
Executive function is one of the cognitive skills that first begins to falter when dementia develops.
A skewed circle and incorrectly placed numbers on this clock could indicate early signs of the condition.
The test is scored based on points, with one point awarded for each of the following criteria: How well the participant drew the clock circle, drawing the numbers in the right place, drawing two hands on the clock and pointing the hands to the correct time.
If the patient manages to draw a clock correctly it ‘virtually excludes’ dementia because the task requires a wide range of cognitive skills, the NHS says.
Another test Dr Bing suggested to his followers was what’s called the ‘dual task gait test’. This requires a participant to walk while completing a cognitive task, such as counting backwards.
Around 900,000 Brits are currently thought to have the memory-robbing disorder. But University College London scientists estimate this will rise to 1.7million within two decades as people live longer. It marks a 40 per cent uptick on the previous forecast in 2017
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It can cause anxiety, confusion and short-term memory loss
‘Difficulty with this can indicate problems with executive function, memory or attention,’ he said.
Executive function includes the ability to solve problems and set goals.
Problems concentrating, recalling recent events that have happened and planning are all common symptoms of dementia.
The final test listed by Dr Bing is the verbal fluency test.
For this participants are asked to list as many items they can within a certain category.
Dr Bing suggests asking how many animals someone can name within a minute.
‘Difficulties in recalling words within a set time frame can indicate decline in certain regions of the brain, such as those affected by Alzheimer’s disease or frontal temporal dementia,’ he explained.
If a person’s temporal lobes are damaged, as happens in Alzheimer’s disease or frontal temporal dementia, it can make it harder for people to understand the meaning of words or struggle to recall words, according to Alzheimer’s UK.
There are currently around 982,000 people with dementia in the UK, according to The Alzheimer’s Society. This number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
An estimated 6.7million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 per cent of those diagnosed.
