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Smartphone App Aims to Detect Parkinson's Early, Slow Disease Progression
30 Jul
Summary
- New app Neu Health measures tremors and motor issues to detect Parkinson's early
- Parkinson's cases in the US expected to rise 50% by 2030, reaching 1.2 million
- App provides data to doctors to help adjust treatments and monitor patient progress
A newly released smartphone app called Neu Health is aiming to revolutionize the way Parkinson's disease is detected and managed. Launched 18 months ago in the UK and now cleared by the FDA for use in the US, the app utilizes a phone's motion sensors and microphone to monitor patients' motor functions and cognitive abilities.
Between medical appointments, doctors can send patients prompts to complete various exercises, such as holding the phone or tapping objects on the screen. This data is then used to measure changes in tremors, balance, speech patterns, and cognitive function - all early indicators of Parkinson's disease. The app's developers hope this will allow for quicker adjustments to treatments and better monitoring of patient progress, ultimately slowing the disease's progression.
With Parkinson's cases in the US expected to rise 50% by 2030, reaching 1.2 million, this technology could be vital in combating the growing prevalence of the condition. The app is currently being used by around 1,700 participants in the UK and is now available at select hospitals in the US, with plans for a nationwide rollout.
