The analysis of handwriting and the duration of the writing activity could become a new, non-invasive method of detecting the early stage of Parkinson’s disease, argue in the Journal of Neurology.
Researchers from the University of Haifa and Rambam Hospital (Israel) noted that there are large differences in the way handwriting is between patients in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease (before the onset of visible motor disorders) and healthy people.
Parkinson’s patients draw smaller letters, put less pressure on the writing surface, and take much longer to complete the task.
The researchers asked 40 test persons (20 healthy and 20 with the disease
Parkinson’s) to write your name and surname on a piece of paper, and then to write down a few given addresses – to perform simple, everyday activities, which, however, require the involvement of cognitive functions.
In order to make the necessary measurements, the sheet was placed on a special electronic surface, and the pen used by the participants of the study was equipped with pressure-sensitive sensors.
The analysis of the obtained results made it possible to make an accurate diagnosis in 97,5 percent. cases (it was not possible to correctly assess the condition of only one person).
According to the researchers, the most pronounced difference between healthy and sick subjects was the duration of breaks that participants took between writing the next letter or word.
This observation is especially important because when taking a break in the writing process, a person plans the next activity and more time needed for reflection suggests a deterioration of his cognitive abilities – comments Prof. Sara Rosenblum, co-author of the study.
The current methods of diagnosing Parkinson’s disease are based on a comprehensive assessment of the visible symptoms by a doctor, or a SPECT (brain emission tomography) examination, which requires the introduction of a special radioactive substance into the brain and exposes the patient to radiation.
Handwriting analysis can be a new and safe way to detect disease in its early stages.
The results of this study were of great interest at this year’s International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders in Sydney, Australia. (PAP)