An unexpected early warning sign of cognitive decline may be hiding in plain sight
A new study from Portugal suggests that the speed of handwriting in older adults may indicate cognitive decline. Researchers found that seniors with cognitive impairment displayed distinct patterns in their handwriting compared to healthy peers. This could lead to a non-invasive diagnostic tool for monitoring cognitive health in seniors.
- ▪The study involved 58 adults aged 62 to 92 living in Portuguese care homes.
- ▪Participants with cognitive impairment showed longer pauses and smaller strokes when writing dictated sentences.
- ▪The findings highlight the potential for handwriting analysis as an early warning sign for cognitive decline.
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Health An unexpected early warning sign of cognitive decline may be hiding in plain sight By McKenzie Beard Published May 20, 2026, 10:21 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Vital clues about how well the brain is aging may already be at our fingertips. A new study out of Portugal found that the speed at which older adults are able to perform a basic, everyday task could be a powerful indicator of cognitive decline. The findings suggest it may one day serve as a diagnostic tool, offering doctors a non-invasive and relatively low-cost way to monitor changes in seniors’ memory and thinking skills. 3 Cognitive decline is the gradual loss of critical thinking skills, such as memory, reasoning, attention and language.
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