A subtle but significant sign of dementia could be revealed in the festive greetings we send and receive this Christmas, a care expert has warned.
The Handwriting Red Flag
Michael Berkley-Blezard, from the Elmfield care group home Old Sarum Manor, highlighted that a noticeable change in a person's handwriting, such as in a Christmas card, can be an early indicator of cognitive decline. "Starting to have an issue with reading and writing, where the person hasn’t previously had a problem, is often an indicator of dementia," he explained.
This advice is supported by scientific research. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease confirmed that agraphia – an acquired neurological disorder causing a loss of writing ability – is "typical" of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
What the Research Shows
The study tested the writing skills of 23 people with Alzheimer's and 34 healthy participants. It found that 14 of the Alzheimer's patients displayed clear writing difficulties, including omitting or substituting letters. Furthermore, their writing was less automated, slower, and showed fewer up-and-down strokes.
Separate research published this year in the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Journal reinforced these findings. A trial showed that Alzheimer's patients exhibited "greater hesitance in writing" compared to control participants, with measurable differences in the time their pen spent in the air versus on the tablet during writing tasks.
Other Lesser-Known Symptoms
Beyond handwriting changes, Mr Berkley-Blezard pointed out several other subtle signs of dementia that families should be aware of:
- No longer enjoying certain foods.
- Starting to shuffle when walking.
- Frequently using the wrong word in a sentence.
- A new pattern of being consistently late.
The NHS lists broader dementia symptoms which include problems with:
- Memory loss and thinking speed.
- Language and understanding.
- Judgement, mood, and movement.
- Difficulties carrying out daily activities.
Dementia is a syndrome associated with the progressive decline of the brain, most common in those over 65, but early detection is crucial for accessing support and treatment. If you notice any potential signs in yourself or a loved one, it is essential to speak to a GP for advice.
