Check your handwriting for 'major clue' of early Alzheimer’s symptom

Check your handwriting for 'major clue' of early Alzheimer’s symptom Three signs were picked up in those who already have the condition Certain handwriting habits could be an early sign of Alzheimer's and dementia, scientists claim. This follows several studies that examine how changes in writing may be linked to brain function in older people and what this could mean for the future of earlier detection of the condition. Handwriting involves a variety of cognitive processes, including motor control, the interpretation of information and the organisation of movement on a page. This can make the process difficult for someone with emerging conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. The finding comes after scientists looked at the speed and complexity of handwriting in a group of older adults. The study involved 58 care-home residents, with 38 previously having been diagnosed with some form of cognitive impairment. These participants performed several tasks using a digital pen and tablet, and one showed scientists a clear difference between the two groups. They were asked to copy a sentence from a card and write a more complex sentence as it was dictated to them. The findings indicate that those with cognitive impairment took longer to complete the task and began writing later than those without impairment. The handwriting itself had larger letters. Leading the study, assistant professor at the University of Évora Dr Ana Rita Matias said: "Timing and stroke organisation are closely linked to how the brain plans and executes actions, which depends on working memory and executive control. As these cognitive systems decline, writing becomes slower, more fragmented, and less coordinated. "In contrast, other features can remain relatively preserved, especially in the early stages of cognitive decline, making them less sensitive indicators." Other researchers theorise that handwriting could be an effective tool for earlier screening of Alzheimer's and dementia. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings How to recreate the tasks at home According to HuffPost, writing down sentences read aloud reveals far more cognitive-motor vulnerability than simply copying text from a visual flashcard. People could replicate this at home with a simple pen-and-paper task. People in the early stages of cognitive decline tend to have longer pauses between pen strokes, a slower overall writing speed, and much more fragmented, less smoothly organised movements because the brain requires more effort to plan out the next physical stroke. Have someone read two sentences of varying complexity aloud (or play a recorded audio snippet) and try to write them down exactly as spoken. It is important not to take these at-home tests of symptoms as a certain sign of Alzheimer's or dementia. Many non-cognitive conditions can alter the appearance of a person's handwriting. For concerns, speak to a doctor.