A registered nurse with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease is encouraging people to try a simple daily hand movement that may help support memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Maryann, who shares advice on TikTok under the name @maryann_with_a_plan, said she is at high genetic risk of developing the condition and focuses her content on brain health and dementia prevention.
She highlighted a basic coordination exercise that uses both hands in a repeated pattern, claiming it can help stimulate brain function. “I am a nurse with a high genetic risk and a family history of Alzheimer’s,” she said, adding that the exercise is designed to improve coordination, focus and memory.
She recommends practising the movement regularly, for example while listening to music. The technique involves tapping the thumb and index finger together, then moving through each finger one by one before switching hands and repeating the sequence.
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While simple in appearance, the exercise requires concentration and coordination between both sides of the body. In her video, Maryann stressed that struggling with the movement is part of the process. “It’s okay if you mess up… it just means your brain is learning a new skill,” she said. “This is going to boost memory and focus… support neuroplasticity and help build cognitive reserve.”
The concept of cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to cope with damage and continue functioning – has been widely studied in neuroscience. Research cited by Harvard Health Publishing suggests that people with greater cognitive reserve may be better able to delay or reduce symptoms of conditions such as dementia, writes Sophie Buchan from the Express.
The bilateral coordination technique is also supported by programmes like British Gymnastics Foundation’s ‘Love to Move’, a seated exercise initiative designed for older adults and people living with conditions including dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The programme uses similar movements to stimulate neural pathways and support memory and motor skills, with some participants reportedly regaining everyday abilities.
However, experts stress that such exercises alone cannot prevent Alzheimer’s. Maryann herself emphasised the importance of a broader approach, including what she described as ‘prevention pillars’ such as sleep, diet, physical activity and mental stimulation.
Guidance from the Alzheimer’s Society echoes this, stating that lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of dementia. Recommendations include staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and maintaining social and mental engagement.
Managing long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol is also important, as these can increase dementia risk.
Where to find dementia support
If you or a loved one is navigating a dementia diagnosis, these national organisations offer expert guidance and emotional support:
Alzheimer’s Society: Provides a National Dementia Helpline and local support workers to help you understand the condition and your rights.
Dementia UK: Home to Admiral Nurses who provide specialist one-to-one support and practical advice for families facing complex care needs.
Age UK: Offers a wealth of information on staying active, including how to find local Memory Cafés and social peer-support groups.
Carers Trust: A dedicated resource for the millions of unpaid carers in the UK, offering advice on benefits, assessments, and respite care.
NHS Dementia Guide: The official NHS resource for understanding symptoms, the diagnosis process, and how to access social care.
The NHS advises that early symptoms of dementia may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion about time and place, and struggles with everyday tasks. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia – symptoms can also include repeatedly asking questions, difficulty finding words and increased anxiety or withdrawal.
While the hand exercise has gained attention online as a simple way to engage the brain, health experts caution that it should be viewed as one small part of a wider strategy to maintain cognitive health rather than a guaranteed preventative measure.
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