{"id":212986,"date":"2025-06-25T11:20:10","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T11:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/212986\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T11:20:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T11:20:10","slug":"lesser-known-dementia-symptom-can-appear-on-someones-birthday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/212986\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Lesser-known’ dementia symptom can appear on someone’s birthday"},"content":{"rendered":"

A lesser-known symptom of dementia could appear on someone\u2019s birthday, according to an expert. This could actually be one of the \u201cfirst signs\u201d of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

Many of us are aware of some of the most common red flags of dementia.Memory loss and behavioural changes are among the clues<\/a> that someone could be experiencing cognitive decline<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, there are some less well-known indications that should prompt concern.<\/p>\n

With this in mind, care expert Michael Berkley-Blezard, from the Elmfield care group home Old Sarum Manor<\/a>, shared some of the lesser-known signs to keep an eye out for. These include one sign that could be noticeable in a birthday or Christmas card.<\/p>\n

He explained: \u201cStarting to have an issue with reading and writing, where the person hasn\u2019t previously had a problem, is often an indicator of dementia. \u201cThis could be seen through a change in handwriting in birthday cards for example.\u201d<\/p>\n

His warning is backed by a study published in Intelligent Data Analysis<\/a> in 2020.<\/p>\n

Study authors explained: \u201cNeurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s impair the cognitive and motor abilities of the patient, which brings memory loss and confusion. As handwriting involves the functioning of the brain and motor control, it is affected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Daily Express<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

They continued: \u201cAlteration in handwriting is one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The handwriting gets shaky, due to loss of muscle control, confusion, and forgetfulness.<\/p>\n

“The symptoms get progressively worse. The handwriting becomes illegible and phonological spelling mistakes become inevitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the Alzheimer\u2019s Society Support Forum<\/a> people have also noted how they have noticed changes in handwriting linked to dementia. One person commented: \u201cI first noticed my mum’s handwriting had deteriorated about seven years ago, so it was probably that way for longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe interesting thing is she can still read perfectly well.\u201d Another wrote: \u201cMy husband’s signature has changed and recently a document he had to sign was rejected. One more problem to add to the list.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael warned that some other signs of dementia include:
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