As we age, it's normal to experience occasional forgetfulness. However, significant memory lapses or cognitive decline could be signs of underlying issues, such as dementia. The clock-drawing test offers a straightforward and effective way to assess cognitive function. This simple task involves drawing a clock face with all 12 numbers and setting the hands to a specific time. By analyzing the drawing, healthcare professionals can identify potential cognitive impairments, such as difficulty with planning, organization, and problem-solving.

According to the National Library of Medicine The origins of this test is unknown. It's been widely used by doctors and researchers for decades to screen for dementia and other brain disorders. While it might seem like a recent invention, the CDT's history actually stretches back over a century. Originally used to diagnose language and spatial awareness problems, it later became a popular tool for assessing overall cognitive health. Today, it's a common screening test that can help identify potential cognitive decline early on.

How Does The Test Work?

According to Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, the first time this test was cited in a research journal belonging to MacDonald Critchley’s textbook, The Parietal Lobes (1953). Through the test you can not only tell cognitive impairment but also motor skills are involved in the physical act of drawing the clock and its hands. Memory plays a role in recalling the correct sequence of numbers and the time to set. Finally, concentration is required to focus on the task and avoid distractions.

How Do You Evaluate The Drawing?

A well-executed clock drawing, with all numbers correctly placed and hands set to the specified time, is generally indicative of normal cognitive function. Conversely, errors in the drawing, such as a distorted circle, missing or misplaced numbers, or incorrect hand placement, may suggest potential cognitive impairment. It's important to note that the clock-drawing test is not a definitive diagnostic tool. Rather, it serves as a screening tool to identify individuals who may benefit from further evaluation.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you or a loved one experiences significant difficulties with the clock-drawing test, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. Early detection of cognitive decline can be crucial in initiating appropriate interventions and improving quality of life. A healthcare provider can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, neurological examination, and cognitive tests, to determine the underlying cause of any cognitive changes.

Beyond the Clock Test

In addition to the clock-drawing test, a simple word association test can also provide valuable insights into cognitive function. This test involves asking the individual to name as many animals or fruits as they can within a specific time frame. A healthy individual typically lists 20-25 words, while those with cognitive impairment may struggle to reach 10-15. By combining these two tests, healthcare professionals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's cognitive abilities and identify potential areas of concern.

The 1-minute animal test is a good way to test a patient’s cognitive well-being. According to the National Library of Medicine. Detecting dementia early on is crucial for effective treatment. While the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) is a common screening tool, it can be time-consuming. The 1-minute animal test (OMAT), on the other hand, is a quick and easy way to assess cognitive function.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the OMAT and HDS-R scores. By analyzing data from 122 diabetes patients, researchers sought to determine the best cutoff score for the OMAT to identify individuals who may benefit from further diagnostic testing using the HDS-R.

Did you know that among the 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, nearly two-thirds are women? This means women are almost twice as likely as men to develop the condition. While longer life expectancy partly explains the difference, research shows that hormonal changes after menopause, genetic factors, and certain lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

As a result, understanding the early warning signs and taking preventive steps is especially important for women, who face a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s as they age.

Women and Alzheimer’s: Why The Risk Is Higher

Dr. Brij Lal Choudhary, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, points out that Alzheimer’s is often seen as a condition of old age, but women are disproportionately affected. Nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, making it almost twice as common in women compared to men. While longer life expectancy plays a role, other factors, such as hormonal changes after menopause, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Women Should Watch

Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, appointments, or familiar names, with lapses gradually worsening.

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• Difficulty managing tasks or problem-solving: Struggling with daily responsibilities, finances, or planning may indicate cognitive changes.
• Confusion: Feeling disoriented over simple or familiar activities.
• Mood or personality changes: Sudden anxiety, frequent irritability, or withdrawing from social life.
• Language difficulties: Trouble finding the right words or expressing thoughts clearly.

Increased Risk of Alzheimer's in WomenStudies consistently show that women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to men. For instance, a Swedish study involving 16,926 participants found that, starting around age 80, women were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men of the same age. Similarly, research in Taiwan indicated that over a seven-year period, women had a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's compared to men. A European meta-analysis revealed that approximately 13 women out of 1,000 developed Alzheimer's each year, compared to only seven men, as per Harvard Health Publishing.

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While the longer life expectancy of women contributes to this disparity, it doesn't fully explain the difference. Even among individuals of the same age, women are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men. This suggests that factors beyond longevity, such as hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and immune system differences, may play significant roles in the increased risk for women.

How to Reduce Risk and Protect Cognitive HealthAlthough Alzheimer’s cannot be reversed, several steps can help lower risk and support brain health:

• Regular cognitive screenings to monitor changes over time.
• Mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills.
• Physical exercise to improve blood flow and overall health.
• Managing blood pressure and blood sugar to reduce vascular-related risks.

We all experience occasional forgetfulness or feel a bit scatterbrained from time to time, often attributing it to stress, a busy lifestyle, or simply getting older. However, repeated lapses in memory, confusion, or difficulty performing everyday tasks can sometimes signal the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Recognising these warning signs early is crucial, as timely awareness and intervention can help manage the condition more effectively and improve quality of life.

As we observe World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, it’s the perfect moment to learn about Alzheimer’s, understand its early indicators, and know what experts recommend paying attention to.

What Is Alzheimer’s?

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For most people, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s, according to the National Institute on Aging. Current estimates indicate that over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older may be living with Alzheimer’s. Age remains the greatest known risk factor, and with the population aging, the number of cases is expected to rise.

Stages of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s disease progresses gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. It is generally divided into three stages: early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). In the early stage, memory lapses and confusion begin to interfere with daily life. During the middle stage, challenges with language, reasoning, and daily activities become more pronounced. In the late stage, individuals may lose the ability to communicate, require full-time care, and become highly dependent on others. Understanding the stages helps families and caregivers plan support and interventions more effectively.

Alzheimer’s vs Dementia

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

• Persistent Memory Loss: Forgetting recent conversations, events, or important dates more often than usual, affecting daily life.
• Difficulty in Planning or Problem-Solving: Challenges with tasks like handling finances, following recipes, or keeping track of everyday responsibilities.
• Impairment of Spatial Memory: Forgetting familiar routes or even one’s way back home.
• Changes in Mood or Personality: Increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or unexpected anxiety and depression.

Blood pressure monitoring plays a key role in managing hypertension. For patients whose numbers are well controlled through lifestyle changes or medication, the question often arises: how often should they be checking at home? While regular monitoring helps track progress and detect changes early, checking too frequently can increase stress or lead to unnecessary worry. On the other hand, checking too infrequently may delay important adjustments in treatment. Below, we take a look at how much frequency is important to check your blood pressure.

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: How Often To Track Your Readings

When you have controlled hypertension, checking your readings at home with a validated monitor is important but doing it properly matters just as much. The CDC and American Heart Association recommend measuring at the same times each day, usually once in the morning and once in the evening. Take at least two readings, spaced 1-2 minutes apart, then average them.

Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise in the 30 minutes before taking a reading. Sit quietly for five minutes beforehand, keep your back supported, feet flat on the floor, arm at heart level, cuff on bare skin, and don’t talk during the measurement.

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How many times per week? For people with stable, well-controlled blood pressure, checking 3 to 4 times per week may be sufficient. If just starting home monitoring or adjusting treatment, doctors may ask for readings over a week (3-7 days) to get a clear picture.

What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring?

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a method doctors use to track and understand high blood pressure over an entire day. Hypertension is diagnosed when the upper reading (systolic) is 130 mmHg or higher, or the lower reading (diastolic) is 80 mmHg or higher.

Unlike the usual check-up at a clinic, where a doctor measures your blood pressure once or twice with a cuff, ABPM gives a more complete picture. For this test, you wear a cuff on your arm that’s connected to a small device strapped to your waist or shoulder. The device automatically takes your blood pressure at regular intervals, every 15 to 30 minutes during the day and about once an hour at night, while you carry on with your normal activities, including sleep.

By the end of 24 hours, your doctor has dozens of readings instead of just one or two. This allows them to see your average blood pressure, how it changes throughout the day and night, and whether there are any unusual patterns. The device also records your heart rate, which adds more detail to the overall assessment.

Why Monitoring Matters Even When Blood Pressure Is Controlled?

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Tracking your blood pressure helps detect these patterns early, allowing timely adjustments in treatment and preventing long-term complications such as heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. According to the American Heart Association, even small, consistent changes in readings over time can provide critical insights for maintaining cardiovascular health.