Simple Drawing Test Could Help Identify Early Signs of Dementia, Reveals Leading Neurologist

A straightforward and quick drawing test could provide early indications of dementia, according to Dr. Jesus Ramirez-Bermudez, a prominent Mexican neurologist.

Known as the clock-drawing test, this simple exercise could help identify individuals at risk of developing memory-related conditions, including dementia.

The clock-drawing test involves asking participants to draw a clock face on a blank piece of paper. They are instructed to include the numbers from one to twelve and set the hands to a specific time, such as 11:10. This task tests executive function, which is a key cognitive skill involving the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks—functions that often decline in the early stages of dementia.

Dr. Ramirez-Bermudez, who specializes in cognitive decline, shared the test’s effectiveness in a post on X, describing it as “one of the easiest and cheapest ways” to identify individuals with neurological conditions. The clock-drawing test has been used for decades in medical settings, including by the NHS, to screen for early dementia signs.

When evaluating the completed clock drawing, patients are awarded points for various elements: the accuracy of the clock’s circle, the placement of the numbers, the presence of clock hands, and whether the hands indicate the correct time. If a person can draw the clock accurately, it typically suggests that their cognitive function is intact, as the task requires a broad range of cognitive abilities. A poorly drawn clock, however, may indicate cognitive impairments, potentially pointing to early-stage dementia.

Dementia affects an estimated 944,000 people in the UK, and its prevalence is increasing due to an aging population. Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, is characterized by the build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain, which disrupt normal brain function. As the disease progresses, individuals experience memory loss, difficulties with thinking and reasoning, and changes in behavior.

Alongside the clock-drawing test, experts have developed various other methods to detect early signs of dementia. These include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which asks patients to complete tasks such as drawing shapes and recalling items, as well as the Cognetivity Neurosciences test, which assesses reaction times to images.

The Alzheimer’s Society has highlighted the increasing financial burden of dementia, with an estimated annual cost to the UK of £42 billion—a figure expected to rise to £90 billion in the next 15 years due to the growing number of dementia patients and the unpaid caregiving efforts of families.

In addition to cognitive tests, some researchers have explored the link between anosmia (the loss of smell) and dementia. Studies suggest that a reduced sense of smell can be an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. However, anosmia can also result from other conditions, such as colds or sinus infections, making it important to consult a healthcare provider if changes in smell are noticed.

The Daily Mail and New York Post contributed to this report.