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Everyday task may help detect early dementia signs before diagnosis, study finds
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A simple writing test could detect cognitive impairment in older individuals before more serious symptoms occur, scientists have discovered.
Writing is a complex, brain-heavy workout that requires the mind to process information, organize thoughts and send precise signals to the fingers all at once, according to experts.
Because writing draws on so many complex mental functions, researchers believe that small changes in how people write could provide early warning signs for cognitive impairment.
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Researchers in Portugal wanted to see if analyzing the process of writing — such as how long a person pauses or how they organize their strokes — could catch cognitive changes earlier than traditional paper-and-pencil tests, which usually only grade the final answer.
The study looked at 58 older adults between the ages of 62 and 92 living in care homes, according to a press release.
Researchers hoped to catch cognitive changes earlier than traditional paper-and-pencil tests, which usually only focus on the final output. (iStock)
Among the participants, 38 had already been diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Each volunteer was asked to complete various writing exercises using an ink pen on a specialized digital tablet that tracked their precise hand movements.
The tests covered basic pen control, copying sentences from a flashcard, and writing sentences that others spoke aloud, the researchers said.
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Simple tasks, like drawing lines or copying text, did not reveal major differences between the two groups. Because these activities rely mostly on basic motor skills, the team hypothesized that they weren’t mentally challenging enough to expose subtle cognitive issues.
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When writing from dictation, older adults with cognitive impairment had writing patterns that were noticeably slower, more fragmented and less coordinated.
“Dictation tasks are more sensitive because they require the brain to do multiple things at once: listen, process language, convert sounds into written form and coordinate movement,” Dr. Ana Rita Matias, the study’s senior author from the University of Évora, stated in the press release.
When writing from dictation, older adults with cognitive impairment showed noticeably slower, more fragmented and less coordinated writing patterns. (iStock)
As a sentence became more complex, the brain struggled to keep up. Adults with cognitive decline took longer to start writing, paused more frequently and struggled with stroke organization, the study found.
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Currently, diagnosing cognitive decline often involves expensive brain scans or lengthy psychological testing.
“The long-term goal is to develop a tool that is easy to administer, time-efficient and affordable, allowing integration into everyday healthcare contexts without requiring specialized or expensive equipment,” Matias said.
Researchers did not account for the participants’ medication use, which could potentially impact both handwriting and brain function. (iStock)
The study did have some limitations, including that it was relatively small. As it was limited to 58 older adults living in care homes, larger and more diverse groups need to be tested to confirm the findings, the researchers noted.
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The study also did not account for the participants’ use of medications, which could potentially impact both handwriting and brain function.
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The study was published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
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Feeling older than your actual age could be a sign that you’re not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research.
A study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation and published in the journal Sleep found that adults who felt older than their chronological age were more likely to report insomnia symptoms, irregular sleep patterns and daytime fatigue.
The study involved more than 3,100 adults, who were asked a simple question: “How old do you feel?”
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Researchers then compared participants’ answers with measures of sleep quality, sleep consistency and daytime functioning.
People who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their chronological age.
Feeling older than your actual age may indicate that you’re not getting enough high-quality sleep, new research suggests. (iStock)
Researchers also found that people who felt older than their age were more likely to report poorer physical health.
Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings align with what he frequently sees in his practice.
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“I’ve worked with many people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They’re exhausted, mentally foggy, less patient, less motivated and generally not functioning at their best,” Alpert said. “Poor sleep is often a major part of the picture.”
Experts say insufficient sleep can make everyday demands feel more overwhelming and reduce a person’s ability to concentrate. (iStock)
Inadequate sleep can make everyday responsibilities feel more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress and maintain their usual energy levels, Alpert said.
Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a feeling of premature aging.
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“Many people assume feeling older is just an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the issue is simply that they’re chronically sleep-deprived,” Alpert said.
For that reason, he suggested looking at sleep habits before assuming fatigue and low energy are simply consequences of getting older.
The findings showed that people who felt older than their chronological age consistently experienced worse sleep and more sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their actual age. (iStock)
For now, Alpert said the findings offer a reminder that fatigue should not automatically be blamed on getting older.
While the findings were notable, there are several limitations to consider.
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The study relied on self-reported survey responses, meaning participants provided information about both their perceived age and sleep habits. The observational design also means the research cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.
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America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records.
A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, representing 53 poison centers across the country, alerted a “concerning rise” in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens ages 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in allergy and sleep medications such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, as mentioned in the advisory.
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From 2024 to 2025, the total exposure to any substance among teens in this age group reportedly increased by 5.1%.
But cases involving diphenhydramine alone increased more rapidly, from 10,068 to 13,284 cases, a 32% spike.
Thirteen percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, an increase from 7.3% in 2020. (iStock)
The trend appears to be continuing into 2026, as the first five months saw 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases in teens — more than double the prior year.
According to America’s Poison Centers, the exposure appears to be driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over-medication. Thirteen percent of cases in 2026 were linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
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Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can affect the brain and heart, and can lead to serious or life-threatening effects, the advisory warned.
Diphenhydramine is commonly found in over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications. (iStock)
Some symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm and loss of consciousness.
To avoid overexposure and complications, America’s Poison Centers advises the public to store all medications safely, up high, and out of reach of kids and teens. Label instructions should be followed carefully.
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“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice suggested. “Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”
Those who suspect misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.
America’s Poison Centers advises the public to “be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.” (iStock)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue commented that the “health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products.”
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“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” they added. “We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”
“The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.”
Mary Leonard, SVP of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, called the recent report “deeply concerning.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” she told Fox News Digital. “When used as directed, millions of Americans rely on OTC medicines containing diphenhydramine for relief from allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations and occasional sleeplessness.”
“Because misuse of any medication can result in serious health consequences, the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosing instructions, warnings and other important safety information.”
“OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products,” an industry spokesperson said. (iStock)
Kenvue shared the following three steps people can take to help prevent misuse.
- Report content related to this trend on the social media platform where it appears.
- Always store OTC medicines up and away in places children cannot access — preferably in locked cabinets or containers — and never leave medications on counters, bedside tables or in open bags, even temporarily.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and educate children on safe usage.
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“Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl.com, and always remember to consult a healthcare professional should you have questions,” the spokesperson added.
Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for comment.
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