A new smartphone app helps assess Parkinson’s symptoms, reports BBC News / Health.
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurological diseases. Its symptoms – for example tremors, stiffness, difficulty moving and speaking, are difficult to objectively assess once the patient has left the clinic. And as research has shown, even 20 percent. people diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime do not show any associated pathological changes during post-mortem examination.
The software developed with a view to better diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, developed by specialists from Aston University, will allow the use of a mobile phone in the patient’s pocket to assess his movements and the manner of speaking at home. It is enough to use a motion sensor and a microphone.
Previously, however, 17 voice samples had to be collected over the phone to test the application. During the initial tests, 000 percent was achieved. compliance with the diagnosis made by the neurologist.
By combining the obtained data with GPS readings, it is possible to analyze, for example, social contacts, physical activity and other behaviors that may be characteristically altered by the disease.
2500 healthy and Parkinson’s patients volunteers are currently being recruited for a more extensive app review – carrying a smartphone with the app for a week and repeating the study every 18 months. Specialists are a bit concerned about the ethical side of the experiment – should doctors know so much about their patients? What should they not know? – we read in BBC News / Health. (PAP)