British explorers showed that Apple smartwatches can detect signs of the development of Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before a clinical diagnosis is made.. The study, which used data from more than 103,000 smartwatch users, relies on the devices’ accelerometer to identify movement patterns that may indicate the onset of a disease.

A study by institutions such as the British Dementia Research Institute and Cardiff University, analyzed data collected between 2013 and 2016. The researchers tracked users’ movements for a week, using artificial intelligence to detect clear signs of Parkinson’s disease.

With collected data, algorithm can accurately predict which people will develop Parkinson’s disease as they age. The study also showed that the AI ​​was more accurate in detecting the disease compared to the current methods doctors use.

Researchers can predict in advance the damage a disease can cause

The study is based on the speed of people’s movements, looking for and discovering patterns that distinguish Parkinson’s from other conditions. The study also used information from the UK Biobank on more than 500,000 people to compare data.

According to Katherine Pill, one of the researchers involved in the study, the signs found in users with Parkinson’s disease differed from signs associated with other diseases or problems, such as age. This suggests that smartwatches can predict the development of the disease for up to seven years.

She also said that early detection of the disease is critical, as a diagnosis is usually made only when the disease is already at an advanced stage. At this point, neuronal damage is significant, and available treatments, while not able to cure the disease, can help manage symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Despite significant progress, the researchers emphasize the need for further analysis of the collected data. It is also important to consider the challenges and potential problems that arise from the unrestricted use of new technologies, such as system failures that they may cause in the future.

Apple Watch Ultra with MicroLED display may be delayed until 2026
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Source: BBC

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