Are you worried that your memory isn’t what it used to be?
Now, a neurologist has revealed some quick and easy tests that can reveal whether your forgetfulness could be something sinister.
American neurologist Dr Baibing Chen, who goes by Dr Bing on social media, shared five simple tests involving drawing clocks and counting while walking that he says can detect the early signs of dementia.
In the video that has racked up 178,000 views on TikTok, Dr. Bing explains that these seemingly simple tests reveal whether certain parts of the brain are working as they should.
This memory-robbing condition affects millions of people around the world and slowly takes away their independence.
But early diagnosis means that patients can access treatments that combat symptoms, slowing the progression of deterioration.
The first test is a simple exercise standing on one leg. Patients should try to stay in the position for 30 seconds to check balance and motor coordination.
“For those with two legs and no mobility problems, difficulty standing on one leg for at least 30 seconds has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and stroke,” he said. Dr Bing.
“This is because it may reflect subtle deficits in the areas of the brain that control 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 the ability to walk, stand and get up. They are also more likely to fall and have difficulty keeping their balance.
The second test listed by Dr. Bing is a smell test in which the participant is asked to identify a series of odors.
This is because early dementia can affect the smell center of the brain.
Dr Bing said: “Problems with odor identification may indicate neurodegeneration, such as in those with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.”
one 2017 study revealed that cognitively healthy people aged 57 to 85 who have difficulty detecting odors are more likely to develop dementia five years later.
The next test listed by Dr. Bing is the watch test. The tool, which is used in some NHS diagnostic clinics, simply involves asking someone to draw a clock face on a blank sheet 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, organize 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 depends on the patient remembering what a clock face looks like, a skill known as executive function, which involves how we plan, organize and complete tasks.
Dr. Bing said, “I just ask patients to draw a clock that shows a specific time.” If someone has difficulties with spatial organization, 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 fail when dementia develops.
A crooked 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, drew the numbers in the correct place, drew two hands on the clock, and pointed the correct time with the hands. .
If the patient manages to draw a clock correctly, it “virtually rules out” dementia because the task requires a wide range of cognitive skills, the NHS says.
Another test that Dr. Bing suggested to his followers was the so-called “dual-task walking test.” This requires a participant to walk while completing a cognitive task, such as counting backwards.
It is currently believed that around 900,000 Britons suffer from this memory-robbing disorder. But scientists at University College London estimate this figure will rise to 1.7 million within two decades as people live longer. It marks a 40 percent increase from the previous forecast in 2017.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It can cause anxiety, confusion, and short-term memory loss.
“Difficulties with this may indicate problems with executive function, memory or attention,” he said.
Executive function includes the ability to solve problems and set goals.
Problems concentrating, remembering recent events that happened, and planning are common symptoms of dementia.
The final test listed by Dr. Bing is the verbal fluency test.
To do this, participants are asked to list as many items as they can within a given category.
Dr. Bing suggests asking how many animals someone can name in one minute.
“Difficulties remembering words over a given period of time may indicate deterioration 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 occurs in Alzheimer’s disease or frontal temporal dementia, it can make it difficult for people to understand the meaning of words or have difficulty remembering them, 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 increase to 1.4 million by 2040.
An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia today. This figure could increase to 13.8 million in 2060.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of those diagnosed.