Apple has taken another step in its commitment to health with the release of watchOS 9.6.1, which aims to specifically meet the needs of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. While Apple Watch updates are regular, this one stands out by providing effective monitoring of tremor and dyskinesia symptoms.

A new update enables continuous monitoring of symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease

The significance of this update lies in its impact on treatment. Parky, the H20 Therapeutics app that uses Apple’s Motion Disorder API, has been blocked due to an issue preventing access to motion data. The new update will address this issue and allow the app to capture changes in symptoms in Parkinson’s patients, meeting clinicians’ expectations 94% of the time.

This not only highlights Apple’s role in health and wellness, but also highlights the importance of technology in assisting healthcare professionals with diagnosis and treatment plans. Prior to the fix, the inaccessibility of the Movement Impairment API created a vital information gap for clinicians. This update now provides continuous monitoring and Parky collects 288 data points per day, assuming the watch is constantly worn.

The introduction of a colorful user interface using green to indicate fewer symptoms further simplifies understanding for patients and caregivers. This update is not just about improving functionality; It is a reflection of Apple’s conscious effort to contribute to health and wellness. The update process only requires the watch to be at 50% charged and within Wi-Fi coverage, making this improvement readily available to all eligible Apple Watch users.