Dementia is a growing concern, especially as the population ages. Early detection of dementia in a loved one is crucial for managing symptoms and planning for the future, such as considering memory care in senior living communities.
The Interlocking Finger Test is among various early detection screening methods for dementia in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The test involves an individual imitating manual finger gestures to evaluate cognitive abilities.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain. People with Parkinson’s disease can experience motor or movement-related symptoms and non-motor symptoms.
Motor symptoms can include tremors, slow movements, limb stiffness, and balance problems. Non-motor symptoms can include depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, hallucinations, loss of sense of smell, and various cognitive impairments.
A family doctor or healthcare provider usually diagnoses Parkinson’s disease first. Diagnosis involves looking at the following:
- Medical history
- Symptoms
- Existing medical conditions
- Current and past medications
- Family history
- Physical examination
- Lifestyle factors
A neurological examination includes several tasks that an individual needs to perform and assessing the following:
- Expression and speech
- Tremors
- Stiffness in extremities or neck
- Changes in walking, step size, and ability to turn
- Balance and posture
What Is Parkinson’s Disease Dementia?
A person with PD can be diagnosed with significant cognitive decline after having motor symptoms for a year or several years. Up to 70% of people with PD will develop dementia as the disease progresses and can affect parts of your brain responsible for memory, mental functions, and thought processes. When this occurs, it’s called Parkinson’s disease dementia or Parkinson’s dementia.
Why Do the Interlocking Finger Test?
The Interlocking Finger Test is rooted in the understanding that brain health significantly impacts motor functions and coordination. Understanding cognitive impairment, such as that seen in dementia, can affect various aspects of brain function, including motor skills and spatial awareness.
Dementia often affects these areas before other symptoms become apparent. The Interlocking Finger Test is used to screen Parkinson’s disease patients for dementia. The test involves observing how individuals naturally interlock their fingers, a seemingly simple action that can reveal a lot about brain function.
In healthy individuals, this action tends to be automatic and consistent. However, for those experiencing cognitive decline, there may be noticeable irregularities or inconsistencies.
Conducting the Interlocking Finger Test
Performing the Interlocking Finger Test is straightforward and can be done by healthcare professionals.
Instructions
The examiner asks the individual to imitate interlocking finger figures, one at a time, as accurately as possible. The original Interlocking Finger Test includes 4 finger gestures. In the modified version of the test, there’s a fifth gesture added.
Observation
The examiner observes how well the person can perform this task. Specifically, they’re looking for difficulties in executing the movement. Scoring the test involves one point for each correctly imitated interlocking finger component of the figure. In the modified version, the score for each gesture is out of 3 points.
Interpretation
Difficulty interlocking the fingers, such as struggling to complete the task, may indicate cognitive impairment. Based on the test scores, individuals are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with and without visuospatial impairments and with and without dementia.
Parkinson’s disease can frequently progress to cognitive dysfunction. The Interlocking Finger Test scores in patients with PD and dementia were lower than in those with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.
Importance of Early Detection
The Interlocking Finger Test can be a valuable tool in recognizing early signs, prompting further investigation by healthcare professionals. Early detection of dementia allows for better management of symptoms, lifestyle adjustments, and future planning:
- Improved quality of life: Early intervention can slow the progression of symptoms, allowing individuals to maintain independence longer.
- Care planning: It helps families and caregivers make informed decisions about care and support.
- Access to resources: Early diagnosis can grant access to medical treatments, counseling, and support groups sooner.
Seeking Professional Help
Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation. Healthcare providers can offer additional tests and expert advice to confirm suspicions and guide family members of loved ones in the next steps.
A consultation with a healthcare provider can include:
- Neurological exams: Detailed assessments that examine cognitive function, coordination, and reflexes.
- Imaging tests: MRI scans can provide a clearer picture of brain health and identify brain changes that cause symptoms.
- Psychological assessments: Tests measuring memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.
Personalized Care for Dementia
The Interlocking Finger Test is a simple screening tool that may help detect dementia in PD patients. However, symptoms should serve as a prompt for professional consultation and
further investigation.
Early detection of dementia is vital for managing the condition effectively, allowing for better quality of life. For more information about memory care and how it can help a loved one with dementia, contact Summer Village.
