"Draw a clock"… A simple test to detect dementia

They say you can detect dementia by drawing a clock.

When I ask the elderly to draw once, they say that the shapes, needle positions, and number placements are all different.

If dementia begins gradually and is caught early, treatment can be initiated quickly accordingly.

I think it would be good to try it once.

Drawing clocks, grip strength, tone of voice, gait, and other subtle changes, I must not overlook these things.

 

There is a claim that drawing a clock test can be used to identify patients with neurological disorders such as dementia, attracting attention.

The UK Daily Mail reported on the 20th (local time) that "Mexico's renowned neurologist and specialist, Dr. Jesus Ramirez Bermudez, revealed a simple drawing test to detect early signs of dementia."

Dr. Bermudes, who researches cognitive decline, revealed this kind of test through his X (formerly Twitter).

This test involves a simple method of drawing a clock on a blank sheet of paper, then filling in all the numbers from 1 to 12 on the clock, and finally drawing the hands to match a specific time.

Each participant is awarded 1 point based on criteria such as how well they drew the clock face, whether they placed the numbers in the correct positions, how accurately they drew the two clock hands, and whether the hands pointed to the correct time.

This test has been known to be used for decades by the National Health Service (NHS), the largest health website in the UK, which is visited by over 50 million people every month.

After examining the distortion of the clock's circular shape and time representation, if early signs of dementia are suspected, it is necessary to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis. The NHS also states that drawing a clock correctly requires extensive cognitive skills, and that a person who draws the clock accurately can essentially be considered at low risk for dementia.

Dr. Vermudes explained, "Remembering the shape of the clock is the key to this task," adding, "To perform this, executive functions such as planning, organization, and completion are required, which are among the first cognitive abilities to decline in the onset of dementia."

Meanwhile, factors such as gait and grip strength are also known to be indicators for diagnosing dementia.

According to research from Boston Hospital, middle-aged individuals with slow walking speeds were 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia. Additionally, the American Neurological Association reported that people who握 hands tightly during a handshake had a 42% lower risk of developing dementia or stroke. Those who do not get enough deep sleep are also more likely to develop dementia because they cannot enter the deep sleep stage.

 

<Source: Asia Economy>