These 2 tests show if you are at risk of dementia

While there are a few experiences or hardships we would love to forget, there is nothing more heart-breaking than witnessing someone you love lose precious memories and mental function from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Despite Alzheimer’s named as the leading cause of dementia, there are other conditions, such as frontotemporal degeneration, Lewy body disease and vascular disease that are also cited as causes.

As early detection continues to assist those at risk, the UK Dementia Directory has compiled two at-home tests which, with early treatment, can delay further mental decline.

Test one: Word association

With our brains storing thousands of words over our lifespan, the inability to place them under certain categories in a minute could be a tell-tale sign of memory loss.

How the test works:

– Instruct your loved one or friend to name as many animals as they can in one minute

– Once the time has lapsed, ask them to name as many fruits as they can in the same time frame

Results: A person with healthy brain function is able to name at least 20 to 25 animals or fruits in the given time frame, while someone with potential memory loss can name only 10 to 15 or fewer.

Test two: Clock-drawing test

This exercise is one of the most widely used tools to test for dementia by doctors and caregivers.

How to perform the test:

– On a blank piece of paper, ask your loved one to draw a clock

– The clock needs to include numbers from 1 to 12 in the correct order

– You then need to ask them to draw a specific time, for example, five o’clock

Give one point for each of the following:

•     A complete clock circle
•     ll the numbers, from 1 to 12
•     Numbers in the correct order
•     Two clock hands present in the image
•     he correct time

Results: If they score between four and five points, they are considered to be normal. A score of three or below could be an indicator of poor cognitive function, and a visit to the GP is necessary.

SOURCE: Do at home dementia test. Simple tests for dementia.

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