Scientists invent low-cost AI pen to diagnose Parkinson's
Scientists have created an AI pen that analyses handwriting to detect early signs of Parkinson's disease, potentially offering a low-cost diagnostic tool.
The pen identifies differences in writing styles between individuals with and without Parkinson's, which affects 10 million people globally and is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's.
Traditional Parkinson's diagnoses, based on observing motor skills, are often underreported in low- and middle-income countries due to a lack of specialists.
The AI pen uses magnetic ink to detect Parkinson's signs by analysing handwriting samples, converting writing motions into analysable electrical signals.
In a study, the pen, combined with an AI system, accurately distinguished handwriting samples from Parkinson's patients with over 95% accuracy, suggesting its potential for widespread and affordable diagnostics.
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