Altered Handwriting Suggests Cognitive Impairment and May Be Relevant to Posthumous Evaluation

• NCJ Number: 242049
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 1252-1258
• Author(s): Maurizio Balestrino, M.D.; Paola Fontana, M.D.; Serena Terzuoli, Ph.D.; Silvia Volpe, Ph.D.; Maria Laura Inglese, Ph.D.; Leonardo Cocito, M.D.
• Date Published: September 2012
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Judging the validity of a disputed will is complex; however, one of the main issues is what the mental status of the testator was at the time of the will.

Abstract

Judging the validity of a disputed will is complex; however, one of the main issues is what the mental status of the testator was at the time of the will. If the will is handwritten, a handwriting analysis can provide information on the mental status of the testator. The authors tested how two writing parameters (the "writing score," a novel evaluation scale that the authors previously described, and the percentage of spelling mistakes) are capable to identify cognitively impaired persons. These parameters are especially helpful because they can be used to evaluate the mental status of a deceased person. The authors found a significant correlation between either parameter and established scales of neuropsychological evaluation (Mini Mental State Examination and Milan Overall Dementia Assessment scale). Specifically, a poor score on either parameter reliably identified a compromised cognitive status. These may represent helpful additions to existing techniques in posthumously identifying persons with severe cognitive impairment. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.