The home hand test that could reveal whether you’re at risk of dementia
DEMENTIA affects around 50 million people worldwide - with that number expected to double every 20 years.
The condition has no cure but delaying its onset by five years would halve the number of deaths.
Now experts say there is a simple test that can be done at home to find out whether you're at risk of developing the devastating disease.
In a recent US study, researchers found that poor hand-grip strength was an early sign of cognitive impairment - which can lead to dementia.
Experts from North Dakota State University found that each 5kg reduction in grip strength was associated with an 18 per cent greater chance of severe cognitive development.
For reference, a 30-year-old man has a grip strength of about 40kg on average.
At home test
A doctor will usually measure grip strength with a hand-held dynamometer, but some gyms of fitness centres also keep one.
He said: "Place an elastic band around the tip of your thumb.
"With your free hand hold the other end of the band.
"Move your thumb towards your little finger on the same hand against the resistance of the band.";
He said you can progress by moving your thumb towards your other fingers too.
Simply repeat five times to each finger and then again on the other hand.
Another trick is to sit or stand while holding a rolling pin or broom horizontally.
With your palms facing down, roll it in one direction and then the other for 30 seconds.
To make it harder, speed up the rolling motion and repeat three times a day.