Simple Hand-Movement Test May Reveal Early Signs of Dementia

In a social-media video, neurologist Dr. Adnan Husein outlines a rapid hand-movement screening called the Luria or Fist-Edge-Palm test, which requires making a fist, placing it in the opposite palm, then performing an edge-palm chop and a final palm-pat. The sequence probes motor function, executive control and sequencing, areas often compromised in dementia. Individuals who repeat movements or miss steps may be experiencing frontal-lobe impairment; roughly 70% of those with frontotemporal dementia fail the task.

Although the exercise cannot replace a formal diagnosis, it serves as an early warning that can lead to comprehensive assessments like the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination. Parallel advances include blood tests detecting p-tau217 and cardiac troponin, with the FDA recently clearing a blood-based assay for people 55 and older showing memory symptoms. Early identification aims to improve treatment options and support planning for affected individuals.