A neurologist has outlined five quick tests that can indicate potential early signs of dementia.
Alzheimer’s or dementia symptoms often include memory lapses, but other types of the disease can lead to hallucinations, rigidity, and anxiety.
While it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect dementia, there are straightforward tests you can try at home to check for signs of the condition.
Neurologist Dr. Baibing Chen, who is known as Dr. Bing on social platforms like TikTok, recently shared a video outlining five simple tests to detect dementia tendencies.
https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/7435807998175431979
The first test is straightforward and takes just 30 seconds.
If you’re concerned, attempt to maintain your balance for half a minute by standing on one leg.
“For those with two legs and no mobility issues, difficulty standing on one leg for at least 30 seconds has been linked to a higher risk of dementia and stroke,” Dr. Bing stated.
“This is because it can reflect subtle deficits in the brain areas controlling your balance and motor skills.”
The following test involves using one’s sense of smell, requiring the identification of various odours.
This test is useful because early-onset dementia can affect olfactory function, making early detection crucial.
“Problems with smell identification can indicate neurodegeneration such as in those with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s,” noted Dr. Bing.
The clock-drawing test is a diagnostic tool used in some clinics, which involves drawing a clock face and placing numbers correctly.
Participants are then asked to set the clock to a specific time.
Dr. Bing explained: “I just ask 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.”
This test involves walking while performing a cognitive task, such as counting backwards.
“Difficulty with this can indicate problems with executive function, memory, or attention,” Dr. Bing explained.
Participants in this test are asked to list as many items as possible within a certain category, such as animals.
“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,” Dr. Bing noted.