Can your cell phone detect dementia?

I know some of you may not like to admit it, but technological devices are here to stay.

Smartphones, tablets, laptops—the advancements seem endless.

The good news is…

We’re beginning to see how these devices can detect health conditions at an earlier stage.

And that includes dementia.

The great detective

A groundbreaking, real-world study suggests your smartphone could help detect your dementia risk.

Researchers launched a smartphone-assisted scavenger hunt on a university campus. Participants included 72 men and women in their mid-20s to mid-60s.

For the scavenger hunt, movement patterns were tracked by GPS.

As expected, younger participants outperformed the older ones. On average, they walked shorter distances (suggesting they didn’t have to reorient themselves with their surroundings) and didn’t use the help function on the smartphone app as frequently as older participants.

Interestingly, of the 43 older adults, movement patterns indicated that 23 had subjective cognitive decline (SCD)—even though they scored normally on neuropsychological assessments!

(SCD, a decline in executive functioning, is often one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. And while it increases your risk for dementia, it doesn’t mean you’ll inevitably develop it. But understanding this risk is crucial.)

Possibilities are endless

This is pretty exciting information.

Let’s face it: Our phones have revolutionized many aspects of our lives.

For instance, I never have to go to a bank anymore with the mobile deposit feature. I can get answers to some of my most pressing questions almost immediately. I can play games and take classes on the go. The list goes on!

And now, these devices might even reshape brain health monitoring—free of charge?! Suggesting anyone, anywhere can uncover a dementia risk factor without a doctor visit or neuropsychological testing? Simply put, it’s exciting.

I already use my phone to track how much I move, stand, or sleep each day. So, I would absolutely relish the opportunity to know if I was suffering from any sort of cognitive decline.

The future looks bright. Wouldn’t it be great to have multiple smartphone apps that can help you detect risk factors and recommend personalized tasks for different health conditions?

I encourage you to research some of these newer apps at your leisure and try them out. I know I will be! (That’s a much better way to use your time than mindlessly scrolling social media!)

And don’t forget…

I’ve compiled ways to protect and restore memory, strengthen focus, and fight dementia in a comprehensive, online learning tool—my Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment Plan. Click here to learn more!

Source:

“Smartphone-assisted ‘scavenger hunt’ identifies people at risk for dementia.” ScienceDaily, 10/03/2024. (sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241003145429.htm)