A neurologist has highlighted a simple, three-movement hand test that can potentially indicate an early risk for dementia. This screening tool, known as the Luria Test or Fist-Edge-Palm Test, requires no special equipment and can be performed at home.
Dementia, a condition diagnosed in over 10 million people globally each year, is often associated with memory loss. However, it can also affect motor skills and cognitive functions such as executive function and sequencing, making daily tasks challenging. Early-onset dementia can affect individuals in their 50s and 60s.
The test, demonstrated by neurologist Dr. Adnan Husein, involves a sequence of hand gestures. First, one hand is made into a fist and placed in the palm of the other. The hand is then opened, placing the pinky side down on the opposite palm. Finally, the hand is turned palm-down, patting the open palm of the other hand.
According to Dr. Husein, the movements assess different brain functions, including motor control, executive function, and the ability to sequence actions. "For some people, they can’t do the movement smoothly," he explained. "They sometimes perseverate on the same movement again and again, or they miss the sequence."
Studies indicate that a significant percentage of individuals with dementia struggle with this test. Over 50% of people with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, have difficulty with the Fist-Edge-Palm Test. For those with frontal temporal dementia, nearly 70% experience challenges performing the movements.
While this test is not a definitive diagnosis for dementia, it can serve as an indicator that an individual may be experiencing cognitive difficulties and should consult a specialist. Healthcare professionals utilize a range of screening tools to evaluate cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills. Tools like the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE) allow individuals to assess themselves for early cognitive impairment through tasks involving counting, drawing, and image identification.
Advancements in dementia detection include developing new methods such as blood tests that can identify specific proteins linked to Alzheimer's, like p-tau217, years before symptoms manifest. Other tests, including the cardiac troponin test, may potentially detect dementia risk up to 25 years prior to a diagnosis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved new blood tests for individuals aged 55 and older experiencing symptoms such as memory loss. Early detection is considered crucial for enhancing quality of life, expanding treatment possibilities, and facilitating better life planning.