Handwriting Kinematics Differentiate Cognitive Impairment

“Diagnostic differentiation emerged only under tasks imposing higher cognitive-motor demands.”

To evaluate the ability of handwriting kinematics to differentiate older adults with cognitive impairment from cognitively healthy peers.

The dictation task showed significant differentiation between cognitively impaired and healthy participants.
Duration and number of strokes were significantly associated with cognitive impairment.
Vertical size and start time showed marginal associations with cognitive impairment.
Among cognitively healthy participants, only horizontal size predicted handwriting speed in the dictation task.
Stronger associations between handwriting kinematics and performance were found in cognitively impaired participants.

Medication use was not systematically analyzed.
Participants with neurologic or psychiatric disorders affecting motor control were excluded.
Findings may not apply to older adults living independently due to recruitment from residential care facilities.
Cross-sectional design limits conclusions about temporal progression or prediction of future cognitive decline.