A neurologist has highlighted a simple at-home-style check that may reveal signs linked to dementia. Dr Adnan Husein shared the demonstration on social media, offering insight into a condition widely associated with memory loss. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, dementia is now the leading cause of death among both men and women in the UK.
The condition is responsible for more than one in 10 deaths across the country. Even so, nearly 40% of UK adults do not believe dementia can be a cause of death. In his video, Dr Husein described what he called “the quickest test for dementia,” using a short sequence of three hand movements.
The exercise is known as the Luria Test, or the Fist-Edge-Palm Test. It asks patients to repeat three specific gestures with their hands in a set order.
To begin, the person forms a fist with one hand and places it into the palm of the other hand.
The next step is to open the hand and place the little-finger side down onto the opposite palm, similar to a karate-chop motion.
Finally, the hand is turned palm-down and used to pat the open palm of the other hand.
Dr Husein said the sequence is designed to assess different areas of brain function, according to the New York Post.
He explained: “For some people, they can’t do the movement smoothly.”
He adds: “They sometimes perseverate on the same movement again and again, or they miss the sequence.”
Research shows that over 50% of people with Alzheimer’s disease struggle with the test.
Dementia UK says dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain.
It says each type of dementia stops a person’s brain cells (neurones) working properly in specific areas, affecting their ability to remember, think and speak.
Doctors typically use the word ‘‘dementia’’ to describe common symptoms – such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding – that get worse over time.
Dementia can affect a person at any age but it’s more common in people over the age of 65.
