Quick ‘cup of tea test’ to check for early Alzheimer’s and dementia red flags
By Lauren Haughey
A dementia specialist is recommending that we pay greater attention to neglected household behaviours that can indicate early signs of cognitive decline. This call to action comes as more than 944,000 people in the UK are affected by dementia, including one in every 11 over the age of 65.
Dr. Jane Pritchard, Admiral Nurse for The Good Care Group, noted that misplacing items is a significant warning sign, in addition to the memory issues seen in conversation. “We all misplace things occasionally, but in the early stages of dementia, you might find the TV remote in the oven, milk in the cupboard, or food tucked into a bedside drawer,” she said.
“There could also be disorganisation, such as drinking glasses being placed in the washing up bowl with the pots and pans. Cupboards that have been designated for particular items for years might suddenly change. These unusual behaviours can be cause for concern.”
What is dementia?
Dementia refers to a group of conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, characterised by a gradual decline in brain function. Symptoms may differ depending on the type of dementia, but often include memory loss, confusion, mood changes, and difficulties with speech or daily tasks.
Dr. Pritchard warned that significant memory loss can result in various hazards, too. If a person deems it ‘normal’ to put metal dishes in a microwave or store raw meat in a cupboard, it could be especially dangerous.
“If you start to see the electric kettle being placed on the stove, tin foil or metallic dishes in the microwave or plastic being placed into the oven, these are more dangerous signs that an early assessment is needed,” she continued. “…It’s clear their awareness and forgetfulness are starting to signal a warning sign.”
For those worried about a family member, Dr. Pritchard recommends trying a quick “cup of tea” test. Although it’s not a guaranteed method, it serves as a useful indicator of how a person’s mind is functioning.
She continued: “If you’re concerned and perhaps seeing some of these actions in the home environment, consider asking for a cup of tea. Asking someone to make you a cup of tea will allow you to observe the many steps it takes to make the perfect brew.
“Have they boiled the kettle? In what order are they following the necessary steps? Have they remembered where the spoon drawer is? Is the tea bag still in there? Missed or misplaced steps could mean that an assessment might be helpful.”
What are the key signs of dementia?
Although symptoms of dementia can differ based on the type, typical signs at the onset may include:
Difficulty concentrating
Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
Memory loss
Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
Being confused about time and place
Mood changes
The NHS encourages anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical guidance. Its advice reads: “Although there is no cure for dementia at the moment, an early diagnosis means its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.
“A diagnosis helps people with dementia get the right treatment and support. It can also help them, and the people close to them, to prepare for the future.”
