Smartwatches could play a revolutionary role in the early detection of Parkinson’s disease, allowing it to be identified up to seven years before characteristic symptoms appear and a clinical diagnosis can be made. According to recent research conducted by the Medical Research Council (MRC)-funded Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University and led by Dr Kathryn Peall, data collected by smartwatches over a seven-day period was analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately predict which participants will next develop Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease affects nerve cells in the brain, particularly the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Motor symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, appear gradually, but by the time they are detected, many cells in the substantia nigra are already irreversibly damaged. This highlights the need for cheaper and more accessible detection methods to intervene at an earlier stage, before the brain suffers extensive damage.
The study used data from 103,712 UK Biobank participants who wore a medical-grade smartwatch for one week. The devices measured average acceleration, which reflects the speed of movement, during this period. By comparing data from a group of participants already diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and another group who received a diagnosis up to seven years after data collection, the researchers showed that AI can accurately distinguish who will develop the disease Parkinson’s among the general population.
Using smartwatches as a screening tool could be a significant breakthrough in the fight against Parkinson’s. Data from smartwatches is easily accessible and inexpensive as more and more people wear smartwatches. This could help identify individuals in the early stages of the disease, opening up new research opportunities and improving recruitment into clinical trials. Furthermore, an early diagnosis would allow patients to access appropriate treatments at an early stage, when they become available.
Importantly, the study has some limitations, such as the lack of a replication using another comparable data source. However, the researchers carried out a careful evaluation to minimize any bias.
Smartwatches could therefore offer a promising new approach for early detection of Parkinson’s, paving the way for better management of the disease and identification of new treatments. The combined use of AI and wearable devices could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s, offering hope to millions of people affected by this neurodegenerative disease.
The results were published in the journal Nature Medicine.