Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new AI tool that uses finger taps to track the progression of Parkinson’s disease. This tool analyzes quick tapping movements between the thumb and index finger to detect subtle changes often missed by humans. It allows patients to record themselves, and the software analyzes their movements, helping doctors make better decisions.
Assistant Professor Diego Guarin explained that this technology can identify small changes in hand movements that are hard for doctors to see. Parkinson’s disease, which affects millions worldwide, has no cure and its causes are unknown. Symptoms include slow movement, tremors, stiffness, and speech changes, and diagnosing it can be subjective and inaccurate.
The new AI tool provides more precise measurements, like the time taken to open and close fingers, revealing delays in Parkinson’s patients compared to healthy people. This technology, refined with help from the HiPerGator supercomputer, can now run on a smartphone, making it accessible to many.
Michael Okun, a medical advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation, called the development transformative, noting that AI can do what usually requires an expert. AI has previously been used to detect Parkinson’s years before diagnosis and has shown promise in predicting diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
While a cure is still sought, early detection and accurate tracking offer new possibilities for treating Parkinson’s.
Source: decrypt
