A simple and free at-home test designed to assess dementia symptoms is being endorsed by cognitive health experts.
Dementia is the term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities.
The cognitive disease profoundly impacts on the lives of sufferers and their families.
Read More: Seven early warning signs of dementia sufferers think are part of 'getting old'
Numbers of dementia cases have increased worldwide throughout the years with approximately 64,000 people in Ireland living with it today while another 7,700 develop it each year.
Whilst dementia is not a natural part of the aging process, it does represent a risk factor for dementia onset, according to the HSE.
Common cognitive symptoms include memory loss, confusion, trouble finding words, difficulty planning tasks and poor control of movements.
The disease also causes negative psychological effects like personality changes, anxiety and hallucinations.
There is no cure for dementia that exists today however, experts advise acting early on to identify symptoms.
The "clock-drawing method" is one such way to screen for early dementia with 98% accuracy, the Mirror reports.
It involves getting an A4 piece of paper, a pen and instructing the person in question to draw a clock on a piece of paper with numbers, clock hands and a specific time.
The inability to do so is a strong indication of mental decline and warrants further investigation into the individual's memory.
A person's final result in the test can be determined using the following criteria:
- How well did the person draw the clock circle?
- Has the person included all the numbers 1-12?
- Are all the numbers drawn in the correct order on the clock face and in the correct place?
- Did they draw two hands on the clock?
- Do the hands on the clock say the correct time you asked them to draw?
If you have concerns about your results or the results of a loved one in this test, you should seek advice from your local GP.
To learn more about dementia or to get information on local HSE services provided to individuals suffering with it in Ireland, click here.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland also provides a range of supports and services to people with dementia and their families.
Information about these services can be accessed by calling the Helpline at 1800 341 341, emailing helpline@alzheimer.ie or via Live Chat by visiting www.alzheimer.ie.
