‘Simple’ one-legged test can predict risk of stroke and brain deterioration – takes ’20 seconds’
A stroke can happen in two ways. They often strike when a blood clot lodges in one of the arteries in the brain, blocking blood flow. In some cases, a clot forms inside a vein due to a rupture of a cholesterol-filled plaque. Researchers believe a single 20-second test can tell a lot about a person’s brain, predicting stroke risk.
A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who can stand on one leg for at least 20 seconds are at a higher risk of stroke or brain damage.
The findings were drawn from a Japanese study of nearly 1,400 people.
Scientists involved in the project had previously found that people with mild cognitive impairment, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease, tend to be unstable when standing on one leg.
In 2009, researchers writing in the journal Alzheimer’s Disease found that abnormal balance on one leg “is a marker of more severe dementia and predicts a faster rate of cognitive decline.”
What they had yet to determine was whether the poor stability was due to brain lesions.
READ MORE: Two ‘cheap’ stroke drugs found that could cause dementia
To do this, they measured the time they spent standing on one leg with their eyes open as a measure of postural stability on each leg.
The time interval before lowering the raised leg was measured twice, the maximum time allowed was 60 seconds.
The best of two trials was used for statistical analysis.
“Subjects were instructed to maintain a status upright position on the stretcher with their feet together while observing a circular achromatic target placed 200 cm ahead of their point of view.”
“All measurements were taken barefoot, both hands were pressed against the body,” the authors explained.
The findings showed that grinding time of less than 20 seconds was “significantly associated with cerebral small vessel disease in apparently healthy middle-aged and elderly people.”
The team also found that about a third of people with more than two brain lesions experienced balance problems.
When considering patients with only one brain lesion, 16 percent of the sample had balance problems.
READ MORE: Two ‘imperceptible’ symptoms may precede stroke by ‘years’
A lesion, meaning that brain tissue has been damaged by injury or disease, causes a wide range of symptoms, including weakness or impairment of multiple senses.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that strokes are one of the most common causes of brain damage.
He adds, “You can often prevent a stroke, or at least delay it or limit its severity.”
According to the health authority, some types of brain lesions heal on their own, but others may become permanent or occur for incurable reasons.
A lesion, meaning that brain tissue has been damaged by injury or disease, causes a wide range of symptoms, including weakness or impairment of multiple senses.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that strokes are one of the most common causes of brain damage.
He adds: “You can often prevent a stroke, or at least delay it or limit its severity.”
According to the health authority, some types of brain lesions heal on their own, but others may become permanent or occur for incurable reasons.
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