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Elderly Exploitation

Forensic Handwriting Research on Elder Abuse

Kathy Carlson, CFDE, CQDE, is deeply committed to protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities: the elderly. With her expertise in forensic handwriting analysis, Kathy is pursuing research aimed at safeguarding seniors from forgery, fraud, and financial exploitation.

Kathy Carlson, CFDE, CQDE, certified forensic document examiner providing expert testimony as a court-qualified handwriting and document expert.

Project Abstract

Pending funding, this project will study the impact of aging and neurological diseases on a person’s ability to sign their name. The central hypothesis is that degradation in signature ability can place elderly individuals at high risk of elder abuse, forgery, and fraud.

The study will focus specifically on the effects of:

  • Alzheimer’s disease

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Dementia

  • Normal aging (control group)

Research Design

  1. Short-Term Study (8–12 months)
    • Comparison of participant signatures before taking medication and 60–90 minutes after medication.
  2. Long-Term Study (2 years)
    • Ongoing analysis of signature changes in each group over a two-year period.

By comparing these groups, the study aims to distinguish between handwriting decline caused by neurological disease versus decline associated with normal aging.

Montrose woman is most vulnerable to fraudulent quitclaim deeds

Anticipated Outcomes

This research will attempt to identify measurable trends in handwriting and signature ability that correspond to neurological decline. From these findings, benchmarks may be created that:

  • Strengthen legal protections by addressing gaps in civil rights and decision-making laws for seniors.

  • Inform healthcare guidelines to better protect those with age-related neurological diseases.

  • Provide courts, legislators, and medical professionals with actionable data to prevent exploitation.

Ultimately, all findings will be compiled into a book for dissemination to judicial, legislative, medical, and senior advocacy organizations at both the local and national levels.

Transparency & Next Steps

This project is currently pending funding. Kathy believes in full transparency: resources are needed to proceed with this research. Support for this work will help provide stronger protections for elderly individuals who are most at risk.

Protecting Seniors From Exploitation

Elder abuse—whether through forged documents, manipulated contracts, or fraudulent signatures—remains a serious concern. Forensic handwriting research can play a crucial role in protecting seniors’ rights, property, and dignity.

For more information on senior exploitation, or to learn more about this research initiative, contact Kathy Carlson today.