Dementia can be diagnosed early with simple at-home clock-drawing test

Dementia can be diagnosed early with simple at-home clock-drawing test – Daily Record

Dementia symptoms aren’t always obvious, especially in the beginning, but a clock-drawing test which can be done at home can be a good indicator that someone needs to speak to a GP.

There is currently no cure for dementia, the broad term used to describe loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other cognitive abilities, but getting an early diagnosis is still important so someone can get the correct treatment and support. More and more people in the UK are getting diagnosed with dementia every year because people are living longer. Currently, over 982,000 people in the UK are living with the condition, but the number is expected to hit 1.4 million by 2040, according to Alzheimer’s Society.

The most common symptom we associate with dementia is memory loss, but others can be hard to spot early on. While it’s important to speak to a GP to get an official diagnosis, some experts believe the “clock-drawing method” is a great and quick way to screen for early dementia. Jesus Ramirez-Bermudez, a neuropsychiatrist with Mexico’s National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, highlighted its ease on Twitter: “Clock drawing. It remains one of the easiest and cheapest ways to identify patients with mental/behavioural disorders who require further neurological and neuropsychological workup.”

There are many ways to test for dementia, but one popular and widely used method is by asking a person to draw a clock and put the hands at a certain time. First, take a blank piece of paper, ideally A4 size that allows the person to draw freely, then ask them to draw a clock. Once they have drawn the clock face, ask them to put all the numbers in, and ask them to draw the hands onto the clock at a specific time – for example at 3.15 pm.

According to the UK Dementia Directory, the test should be judged by points, and the person gets one point for the following:
– How well the person drew the clock circle
– Has the person included all the numbers one-12
– Are all the numbers drawn in the correct order on the clock face and in the correct place
– Did they draw two hands on the clock
– Does the hands on the clock say the correct time you asked them to draw

According to the NHS, if it’s carried out correctly, it “virtually excludes dementia because a wide range of cognitive skills are used.” The UK Dementia Directory urges people to encourage relatives or friends to do the simple, at-home dementia test if you suspect they may be suffering from memory loss, especially if it’s going to be hard to get them to visit a GP. If they struggle to draw the clock and the hands at a specific time, it can help encourage them to visit their doctor for further investigation. If you have any concerns about the results of the test, for example if they didn’t get full points, you should seek further advice from a GP.

Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Society provides a list of 20 questions focused on potential symptoms to evaluate whether a GP appointment is necessary. To effectively use the checklist, it’s crucial to consider the duration and impact of symptoms on daily activities.

Insights:
Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial for effective management and support for individuals and families dealing with the condition. The clock-drawing test mentioned in the article is a simple yet effective way to assess cognitive abilities and potentially detect early signs of dementia. Encouraging loved ones to undergo such tests at home could prompt necessary medical attention and interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected.

Summary:
The article highlights the importance of early detection of dementia through an at-home clock-drawing test. With dementia cases on the rise, especially as people live longer, recognising symptoms early can lead to appropriate care and treatment. Utilising accessible screening methods like the clock-drawing test can aid in identifying cognitive impairments and prompting individuals to seek medical advice for further evaluation.