The elementary test can be done at home by family members without the need for any extra equipment
A physical test, which can be easily conducted at home, could flag the earliest signs of dementia, say experts from Discern. The “2 finger test” is a straightforward exercise that involves copying hand gestures and takes mere seconds to perform, potentially revealing early dementia symptoms without any hassle or stress.
To carry out the test, simply interlock two fingers in a specific pattern or make a specific gesture using your fingers, then ask the person to repeat what you just showed them. This seemingly odd method is actually a “multifaceted challenge” that engages multiple brain functions and cognitive areas impacted by dementia.
It assesses memory, cognitive sharpness, visual instruction processing, and motor coordination. Moreover, research from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2018 has shown a similar finger test could help differentiate types of dementia, specifically highlighting the difference between Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s Dementia.
In this test, the person extends their arms and uses their index fingers to point at certain points on a ruler for a duration of 15 seconds. The person must then close their eyes and attempt to keep their fingers at the indicated measurement for a further 15 seconds. The study discovered that individuals whose fingers drifted significantly downward, at least 5cm away from where they were held, were diagnosed with Parkinson’s Dementia Disease.
On the other hand, those suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia typically only experienced a mild downward drift, with none of them moving more than 5cm with their eyes closed. The small-scale study also revealed that the degree of a person’s drift often indicated the severity of their dementia progression.
Early detection of dementia can provide patients with an incredible advantage, allowing healthcare professionals and family members the greatest opportunity for intervention, which can significantly impact the rate of deterioration and management of the individual’s condition.