These smartwatches may help detect Parkinson’s disease, here’s how

Smartwatches may be able to detect Parkinson’s disease symptoms up to seven years before they become noticeable, according to a study.

The study was conducted from 2013 to 2016 and analysed data from individuals who had the condition compared to those who were diagnosed up to seven years after the collection of smartwatch data.

Over 103,000 individuals participated in the study, who wore a medical-grade wearable for seven days to measure their continuous speed of movement. The slow movement, shaking, and stiffness are commonly observed symptoms of the condition analysed in the study.

Do note that Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, and other smartwatches are not considered to be medical-grade smartwatches.

The Mental Health Innovation Institute at Cardiff University, led by Dr. Kathryn Peall conducted research to determine if the speed data collected from a smartwatch could serve as an early indicator of the onset of the disease.

The study on smartwatches was backed by the UK Dementia Institute, the Welsh government, and Cardiff University. The results were published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.

The researchers were able to differentiate individuals who developed Parkinson’s disease from those who remained healthy.

They demonstrated that AI can be utilised to identify individuals in the general population who will develop the condition later in life and even predict when it will happen.

Dr. Cynthia Sandor, the study leader from the UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University, believes the discovery can significantly improve research and clinical practice. Patients can benefit from this by accessing treatments earlier rather than losing most affected brain cells by diagnosis.

Though further research is needed before it can be put into clinical practice, Dr. Sandor suggests that devices like activity trackers and smartwatches may help monitor Parkinson’s disease.

According to Parkinson’s UK, approximately 145,000 individuals are affected by the condition, with 18,000 new cases diagnosed annually.

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Smartwatches may be able to detect Parkinson’s disease symptoms up to seven years before they become noticeable, according to a study.

The study was conducted from 2013 to 2016 and analysed data from individuals who had the condition compared to those who were diagnosed up to seven years after the collection of smartwatch data.

Over 103,000 individuals participated in the study, who wore a medical-grade wearable for seven days to measure their continuous speed of movement. The slow movement, shaking, and stiffness are commonly observed symptoms of the condition analysed in the study.

Do note that Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, and other smartwatches are not considered to be medical-grade smartwatches.

The Mental Health Innovation Institute at Cardiff University, led by Dr. Kathryn Peall conducted research to determine if the speed data collected from a smartwatch could serve as an early indicator of the onset of the disease.

The study on smartwatches was backed by the UK Dementia Institute, the Welsh government, and Cardiff University. The results were published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.

The researchers were able to differentiate individuals who developed Parkinson’s disease from those who remained healthy.

They demonstrated that AI can be utilised to identify individuals in the general population who will develop the condition later in life and even predict when it will happen.

Dr. Cynthia Sandor, the study leader from the UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University, believes the discovery can significantly improve research and clinical practice. Patients can benefit from this by accessing treatments earlier rather than losing most affected brain cells by diagnosis.

Though further research is needed before it can be put into clinical practice, Dr. Sandor suggests that devices like activity trackers and smartwatches may help monitor Parkinson’s disease.

According to Parkinson’s UK, approximately 145,000 individuals are affected by the condition, with 18,000 new cases diagnosed annually.

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end of article