More ways to discover early dementia signs: Neurologist unveils 5 quick tests you can do right now!
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As we age, our memories naturally change, and it's common to forget where we left our keys or the name of an acquaintance. But when does forgetfulness hint at something more serious, like the early stages of dementia?
Understanding the early warning signs can be crucial for early intervention and management of the condition.
Dr. Baibing Chen, a US-based neurologist affectionately known as Dr. Bing on social media, has shared five simple, two-minute tests that anyone can perform at home to help uncover hidden signs of early dementia.
These tests, which have gained significant attention online, are designed to assess various cognitive functions that may be affected by the onset of dementia. Let's explore these tests and understand what they could mean for you or your loved ones.
1. The One-Leg Stand Test
Balance and motor coordination are often taken for granted, but they are critical functions of the brain. Dr. Bing suggests standing on one leg for 30 seconds as a test of balance and motor skills.
Difficulty maintaining this position could be linked to a higher risk of dementia and stroke, as it may reflect subtle deficits in the brain areas controlling balance and motor coordination. Remember, this test should only be attempted in a safe environment, perhaps with someone nearby to assist if needed.
2. The Smell Test
Our sense of smell is more connected to our brain than we might realize. Dr. Bing's smell test involves identifying a series of odors.
Early dementia can affect the olfactory center of the brain, and problems with smell identification can be indicative of neurodegeneration, as seen in conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. A 2017 study found that older adults with difficulty detecting odors were more likely to develop dementia within five years.
3. The Clock-Drawing Test
A classic tool used in diagnostic settings, the clock-drawing test challenges a person to draw a clock face from memory and set the hands to a specific time. This task assesses executive function, which includes planning, organizing, and completing tasks.
A person with early dementia may struggle with spatial organization and attention, making this seemingly simple task quite difficult. A correctly drawn clock virtually excludes dementia, as it requires a range of cognitive skills.
4. The Dual Task Gait Test
Walking while performing a cognitive task, such as counting backward, is known as the dual task gait test. This test evaluates executive function, memory, and attention.
Difficulty with this test can indicate problems in these areas, which are often affected by dementia. It's a practical way to assess how well the brain can manage two tasks simultaneously.
5. The Verbal Fluency Test
Finally, the verbal fluency test measures a person's ability to recall words within a set time frame. Dr. Bing suggests naming as many animals as possible in one minute.
Challenges with this test can signal a decline in certain brain regions affected by Alzheimer's disease or frontal temporal dementia. These conditions can make it difficult for individuals to understand the meaning of words or recall them.
Recognizing the early signs of dementia is more than just a matter of curiosity; it's a critical step in managing the condition.
Early diagnosis can open the door to treatments that may slow the progression of cognitive decline, allowing individuals to maintain their independence longer.
It also provides an opportunity for patients and their families to plan for the future, including care needs and financial and legal considerations.
The prevalence of dementia is rising, with an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer's dementia.
This number is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, accounts for 60 to 80% of cases.
In earlier news, The GrayVine also covered other signs that could pinpoint to dementia. Do you want to know 10 years ahead of time whether or not you’re at risk for this silent memory-stealer? Read more about an unfamiliar symptom that’s usually ignored in this story here.
@doctor.bing / Instagram.
Have you tried these tests, or do you have other methods for monitoring cognitive health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Understanding the early warning signs can be crucial for early intervention and management of the condition.
Dr. Baibing Chen, a US-based neurologist affectionately known as Dr. Bing on social media, has shared five simple, two-minute tests that anyone can perform at home to help uncover hidden signs of early dementia.
These tests, which have gained significant attention online, are designed to assess various cognitive functions that may be affected by the onset of dementia. Let's explore these tests and understand what they could mean for you or your loved ones.
A neurologist has shared five two-minute tests on social media that may indicate the early signs of dementia. Image source: @doctor.bing via Instagram.
1. The One-Leg Stand Test
Balance and motor coordination are often taken for granted, but they are critical functions of the brain. Dr. Bing suggests standing on one leg for 30 seconds as a test of balance and motor skills.
Difficulty maintaining this position could be linked to a higher risk of dementia and stroke, as it may reflect subtle deficits in the brain areas controlling balance and motor coordination. Remember, this test should only be attempted in a safe environment, perhaps with someone nearby to assist if needed.
2. The Smell Test
Our sense of smell is more connected to our brain than we might realize. Dr. Bing's smell test involves identifying a series of odors.
Early dementia can affect the olfactory center of the brain, and problems with smell identification can be indicative of neurodegeneration, as seen in conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. A 2017 study found that older adults with difficulty detecting odors were more likely to develop dementia within five years.
3. The Clock-Drawing Test
A classic tool used in diagnostic settings, the clock-drawing test challenges a person to draw a clock face from memory and set the hands to a specific time. This task assesses executive function, which includes planning, organizing, and completing tasks.
A person with early dementia may struggle with spatial organization and attention, making this seemingly simple task quite difficult. A correctly drawn clock virtually excludes dementia, as it requires a range of cognitive skills.
The tests include standing on one leg, smelling tests, drawing a clock, walking while counting backwards, and naming as many items in a category as possible. Image source: Pexels / Kindel Media.
4. The Dual Task Gait Test
Walking while performing a cognitive task, such as counting backward, is known as the dual task gait test. This test evaluates executive function, memory, and attention.
Difficulty with this test can indicate problems in these areas, which are often affected by dementia. It's a practical way to assess how well the brain can manage two tasks simultaneously.
5. The Verbal Fluency Test
Finally, the verbal fluency test measures a person's ability to recall words within a set time frame. Dr. Bing suggests naming as many animals as possible in one minute.
Challenges with this test can signal a decline in certain brain regions affected by Alzheimer's disease or frontal temporal dementia. These conditions can make it difficult for individuals to understand the meaning of words or recall them.
Recognizing the early signs of dementia is more than just a matter of curiosity; it's a critical step in managing the condition.
Early diagnosis can open the door to treatments that may slow the progression of cognitive decline, allowing individuals to maintain their independence longer.
It also provides an opportunity for patients and their families to plan for the future, including care needs and financial and legal considerations.
The prevalence of dementia is rising, with an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older currently living with Alzheimer's dementia.
This number is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, accounts for 60 to 80% of cases.
In earlier news, The GrayVine also covered other signs that could pinpoint to dementia. Do you want to know 10 years ahead of time whether or not you’re at risk for this silent memory-stealer? Read more about an unfamiliar symptom that’s usually ignored in this story here.
@doctor.bing / Instagram.
Have you tried these tests, or do you have other methods for monitoring cognitive health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
