A recent article by Amy Glover on HuffPost discussed changes that may indicate an increased risk of dementia years before a diagnosis.
The inability to stand on one leg for 30 seconds can be one early indicator that you are at risk of developing dementia in the years ahead (especially when combined with noticeable changes in forgetfulness).
A decreased gait speed (how fast you walk) is another indicator to pay attention to. Combining movement with cognitive tests can offer a clue. For example, the ability to walk while at the same time counting backwards by 5s.
Deterioration in verbal fluency, such as naming as many things as possible in a certain category, can be something to pay attention to.
Clock-drawing test: draw a clock showing a specific time. If a person struggles with this task, it could mean a problem with spacial awareness which becomes increasingly affected by someone experiencing diminished capacity.
A new study added frailty (defined as “the accumulation of multiple age-related health deficits and reduced physiological reserve”) as being linked to an increased risk of dementia.
The patients themselves, or spouses, loved ones and family caregivers may notice these changes and report to the doctor years sooner than they may otherwise be evaluated for dementia risk.
The study on frailty and dementia risk was published in the medical journal JAMA Neurology.
Another indicator is outlined in a new study from Yale which shows that patients were 40% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia if they visited the ER the previous year with falls and injuries caused by lapses in cognition and coordination.
If you have concerns about your cognitive health, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early diagnosis can improve one’s chances for treatment and interventions.
