Scientists seek examples of writing for new Alzheimer’s study

Scientists at the Universities of Oxford, Southampton and St George's, University of London are asking people with and without Alzheimer's disease to come forward with examples of their writing as part of a study to identify changes in language use that occur with the condition. 'We're encouraging people to go to their attics, rifle the back of drawers and search through piles of paperwork, to wherever they keep their old diaries, letters and notebooks,' says Dr Celeste de Jager of the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) at the University of Oxford. 'We're looking for writing over a span of three decades, but we only need examples totalling around 1000 words per decade. People are welcome to suggest material from family and friends as well, including those that have passed away,' adds Dr de Jager. 'The only condition is that the writing should be in full sentences rather than notes, such as shopping lists. Anyone wishing to get involved with the study should go to www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/optima or telephone OPTIMA on 01865 231270.' The team will use computer software to analyse the hundreds of writing examples. These methods will be able to pick up subtle changes in language use over time that can be associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, rather than normal age-related changes in vocabulary and word usage.