You can help detect dementia symptoms early with this at-home test (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Dementia, a syndrome linked to an ongoing decline in brain function, affects over 944,000 people in the UK, and this figure is on the rise due to increased life expectancy. It’s estimated that one in three individuals will develop during their lifetime.
The disease manifests in various forms, including , and can cause issues with memory loss, thinking speed, language comprehension, and mood changes. Although there is currently no cure for dementia, early detection can be crucial in slowing its progression and ensuring appropriate treatment and support are provided.
Recognising the early signs of dementia is therefore vital, and there are even simple tests you can perform at home. US-based neurologist Dr Bing, also known as Baibing Chen, recently outlined five straightforward tests that could help identify dementia early.
One such test involves standing on one leg, which he claims assesses “balance and motor coordination”. In a recent video, the brain health advocate explained: “For a person 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. This is because it can reflect subtle deficits in brain areas controlling your balance and motor skills.”
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A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke has revealed that struggling to balance on one leg for 20 seconds or more could be linked to an increased risk of small blood vessel damage in the brain and reduced cognitive function in otherwise healthy individuals. “Our study found that the ability to balance on one leg is an important test for brain health,” said lead study author Yasuharu Tabara, PhD, from Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan.
He added: “Individuals showing poor balance on one leg should receive increased attention, as this may indicate an increased risk for brain disease and cognitive decline.”
Dr Bing also suggested other home tests for detecting dementia, such as a smell test, because early dementia often affects the smell centre of your brain. Problems identifying smells can indicate neurodegeneration, like those seen in Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
Another test is the clock-drawing test, which involves asking someone to draw a clock set at a specific time. While it sounds simple, difficulties with this task can indicate problems with spatial organisation, attention and planning.
He then discussed the dual task gait test, which assesses a person’s ability to walk while performing a cognitive task, such as counting backwards. Finally, he suggested that a verbal fluency test could be a good indicator.
This involves asking someone to name as many things within a specific category as they can, within a set time limit. If you’re concerned about symptoms of dementia, it’s advised to consult your GP.