Key Takeaways
- The interlocking finger test helps evaluate cognitive and motor function in people with Parkinson’s disease.
- It measures comprehension, coordination, and short-term memory recall.
- Early deentia symptoms include confusion, visual-spatial challenges, and emotional changes.
- The test offers valuable insight but does not diagnose dementia on its own.
- Memory care communities provide structure, routine, and safety for people experiencing cognitive decline.
- Professional care helps prevent caregiver burnout while providing a safe environment for your loved one
The Finger-Interlocking Dementia Test
Watching a loved one experience cognitive changes can be confusing and emotional. You may notice small lapses and wonder whether they’re part of normal aging or signs of something more. For many families, recognizing these changes is the first step toward getting answers and the professional support their loved one needs. Fortunately, testing a loved one’s cognitive abilities is often easier than people think.
The Interlocking Finger Test is a simple screening tool that healthcare providers use to assess cognitive function. It can be used for most types of dementia, but it’s most effective for testing for Parkinson’s disease. This test helps identify when dementia is affecting motor coordination, comprehension, and memory recall abilities.
Parkinson’s Disease and Its Impact
Parkinson’s dementia occurs when the brain changes caused by Parkinson’s disease begin to influence thinking, memory, and reasoning abilities. These symptoms typically appear years after the initial Parkinson’s diagnosis, but when they do, they can make daily life and independent activities more difficult.
Unlike other forms of cognitive decline, Parkinson’s dementia affects executive function, attention, and visual-spatial processing. Your loved one may have trouble planning tasks, interpreting visual information, or following conversations for long periods. Over time, these challenges can make it harder to stay safe and engaged at home.
Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Early signs of dementia linked to Parkinson’s disease often develop gradually. Families may first notice shifts in mood, focus, or problem-solving ability before memory issues become obvious.
Eventually, Parkinson’s disease can lead to:
- Confusion about time or location
- Difficulty following multistep directions
- Changes in attention or concentration
- Challenges with visual perception
- Increased anxiety or emotional changes
If you’ve noticed these symptoms in a loved one, don’t ignore them. Instead, book a visit with a healthcare professional as soon as you can. A professional diagnosis is the first step towards giving your loved one the care they need.
How Symptoms Progress Over Time
Parkinson’s dementia tends to advance slowly. In the early stages, confusion or forgetfulness might be mild and intermittent. As the condition progresses, it can affect language, reasoning, and recognition of familiar people or places.
These symptoms worsen as changes in the brain progress further. Eventually, a person living with Parkinson’s disease and dementia will need professional memory care.
How the Interlocking Finger Test Works
Before performing the finger interlocking test, a provider demonstrates how to interlace the fingers in a specific pattern. Your loved one is asked to copy the pattern right away and then repeat it later from memory. This short, non-invasive task only takes a few minutes and requires no equipment.
The goal is to observe how well the person:
- Processes visual instructions
- Coordinates hand movements
- Remembers a pattern after a short delay
These skills often decline early in Parkinson’s dementia. That’s why this test is a useful screening tool for identifying when additional evaluation or support might be beneficial.
Why This Test Matters for Families
While the test itself isn’t diagnostic, its results can highlight areas where your loved one might be struggling. If your loved one struggles with understanding instructions or completing everyday tasks, this test can highlight these problems. However, it’s not a guaranteed diagnosis, but just one piece of the puzzle.
Memory Care Services and What They Provide
If a loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, it’s likely time to think about memory care. These communities are designed to support people living with dementia or other forms of cognitive decline. Memory care offers 24-hour professional supervision in warm, homelike settings built to preserve quality of life..
Personalized Care Approaches
In memory care, every resident’s care plan is developed around their strengths, abilities, and preferences. The focus is on maintaining quality of life and offering hands-on support where it’s needed most.
Memory care communities offer all kinds of engaging programs, events, and activities to stimulate the mind. Activities may include motor skill exercises, sensory programs, and memory-focused therapy. Each plan evolves as residents’ needs shift, ensuring consistent, compassionate care over time.
Creating a Safe and Engaging Environment
Senior living makes a significant difference in daily comfort and safety. Within this structure, residents find a balance between familiarity and gentle stimulation—all in an environment that nurtures calm, confidence, and belonging.
Taking the Next Steps in Your Care Journey
When cognitive decline begins to affect your loved one’s daily life, specialized care can provide the comfort, safety, and structure they need. It’s about more than assistance—it’s about helping them continue to live with dignity and purpose.If you’re considering memory care or independent living options for your loved one, we’d love to show you what makes NorBella Centerville different. Our warm, supportive community provides specialized care while honoring each resident’s individuality and personal story. Book a tour with us today, and let us show you how we’re changing the story of aging with compassion, expertise, and genuine care.