Recently, an image in black and white has been widely shared online, claiming that if one can identify seven numbers within it, there is no risk of dementia. Experts have stated that such online tests are misleading and lack scientific basis.
Screenshots of messages circulating on communication apps and social media platforms (Photo / Courtesy of the Taiwan FactCheck Center website)
In response to this rumor, dementia specialists have clarified that such images cannot be used to assess the risk of dementia and are not utilized clinically for evaluation. Experts emphasized that dementia is defined by "a decline in cognitive function that impacts daily living abilities," and the image does not provide any relevant information related to daily life functionality, making it ineffective as a diagnostic tool for dementia.
Additionally, ophthalmologists pointed out that the ability to discern the numbers in the image is related to an individual's eye contrast sensitivity. Some people may see more numbers, while others see fewer due to differences in their eyes’ ability to distinguish black-and-white and light-dark contrasts. Noticing clearer central numbers and blurrier surrounding ones is normal. Ophthalmologists advised that while such tests may reflect visual contrast sensitivity, they are not diagnostic tools for diseases. Therefore, the public should not place trust in these types of online assessments.
Summarizing expert opinions, the image circulating online can only assess eye contrast sensitivity and cannot indicate dementia risk. Such claims are "false," and people should rely on professional medical diagnoses and not believe online rumors.
