<p>Memory loss is not the only early sign of dementia! Other common cognitive decline symptoms involve the speed at which you process information and your attention and focus.</p><p><br></p><p>To perform the clock drawing test for dementia, set a timer for 30 seconds and draw a clock with the time set at 10 minutes after 11. </p><p><br></p><p>To evaluate your results for any dementia risk factors, examine the following:</p><p>•Were any numbers jumbled or missing?</p><p>•Did you write all 12 numbers?</p><p>•Were the numbers spaced correctly?</p><p>•Were the hands of the clock facing the right direction?</p><p>•Did you reverse the hour and the minute hands?</p><p>•Were you unable to complete this in 30 seconds?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>The clock drawing test is one of the most sensitive indicators of early cognitive deficits and is considered more accurate than memory tests.</p><p><br></p><p>If you didn’t pass this test or you made a mistake, don’t worry! You can do many things to support brain health and prevent or reverse dementia.</p><p><br></p><p>Sugar shrinks your brain, especially the hippocampus, which controls memory. Chronic stress and poor sleep can also contribute to the problem. </p><p><br></p><p>If you notice any signs of early dementia, increasing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is vital. BDNF helps grow brain tissue and prevents cognitive problems, as well as other issues like depression. </p><p><br></p><p>Here are the best ways to increase BDNF:</p><p>•Intermittent fasting </p><p>•Cold therapy </p><p>•Deep sleep </p><p>•Learning difficult tasks or skills</p><p>•High-intensity interval training</p><p><br></p><p>Ketones can also help reverse dementia and protect your brain against cognitive decline. A low-carb diet can increase ketones and has even been shown to reverse diabetes in 10 weeks!</p><p><br></p><p>MCT oil, coconut oil, and ketone supplements can also provide the brain with ketones. To remain in ketosis, only consume a moderate amount of protein!</p>