It is well accepted that a significant number of people with Parkinson’s disease have micrographia or reduced size of handwriting. However, it is difficult to recognise this symptom because of the large differences in the handwriting between people.
Our research has identified changes to the kinematics of writing and sketching. We have also developed a protocol that recognises the changes to handwriting in response to cognitive loading.
Our method is very sensitive and specific and can recognise the changes in handwriting in the early stages of the disease. We also recognise the differences due to levodopa and other treatments.