Analysis of paintings can reveal neurodegenerative disorders in artists

Experts examine the paintings of great artists for signs of illness
Can the brushstrokes of painters really point to conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's? Researchers have now discovered that neurodegenerative disorders can be detected in famous artists by analyzing subtle changes in their brushstrokes over time. The technique could eventually be used to detect Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in artists before the disease can be diagnosed.

Researchers at the University of Liverpool found in an investigation that the neurodegenerative disorders of famous artists can be determined by analyzing brushstrokes. Over time, there are subtle changes in those affected, which can point to the diseases. The doctors published the results of their study in the medical journal "Neuropsychology".

Certainly, the works of painters say a lot about the artist. Experts have now discovered that an analysis of the brushstrokes even detects neurodegenerative disorders. (Image: kustvideo / fotolia.com)

Researchers are finding evidence of Parkinson's disease in images of Dali.
New research indicates that neurodegenerative disorders can be detected by artists before they are diagnosed. Early pictures by Salvator Dali, for example, show a so-called other fractal fingerprint compared to his later work, explain the physicians. This is considered an indication of Parkinson's disease.

Experts analyze 2092 paintings by famous artists
A mathematical technique known as fractal analysis can be used to detect signs of neurodegeneration in a work by artists. By examining 2092 paintings from the careers of seven famous artists, researchers at the University of Liverpool were able to determine whether the artist had experienced either normal aging or neurodegenerative diseases.

Fractals are like fingerprints
A so-called fractal analysis can detect complex geometric patterns. Fractals can reveal hidden and often repetitive patterns in everyday objects and appearances. These distinctive geometric shapes are like fingerprints, explain the authors.

Pictures of artists have their own unique fractal patterns
A fractal analysis is so accurate that it has already been used to determine the authenticity of important works of art. For example, the technique has been used once to distinguish an authentic Jackson Pollock painting from a large collection of counterfeits, the authors explain. The result clearly shows that artists' pictures have their own unique fractal patterns.

Variations in the fractal fingerprint may indicate neurological deterioration
So scientists explored whether variations in an artist's fractal fingerprint over time are a function of increasing age or whether neurological decay has anything to do with it. For example, Canadian artist Norval Morrisseau suffered from Parkinson's disease. This neurological disorder has also been proven by analysis of fractal patterns in his brushstrokes, say the physicians.

Experts investigate the images of seven well-known artists for the study
For their study, the researchers examined paintings by four artists who were known to suffer from Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. These included Salvador Dali, Norval Morrisseau, James Brooks and Willem De Kooning. In addition, the experts also analyzed the works of three artists without known neurodegenerative problems: Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet.

Changes can be detected years before the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders
The fractal analysis showed clear patterns of change in the artists who suffered from neurological deterioration compared to normal aged artists, say the authors. In all cases, the fractal fingerprints changed, but the fractal dimensions of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's artists showed consistent patterns that differed from the healthy group. Changes can be detected years before the symptoms of neurological decline begin.

Results should bring about innovations for research directions
This process offers the potential for detecting emerging neurological problems, explain the authors. We hope that our innovation will open new research directions that will help diagnose neurological diseases early. (As)