Samsung has just announced a new research direction, allowing future smartphones and Galaxywatches to warn of early signs of Alzheimer's disease, a most common form of dementia.
According to the official blog, Samsung scientists are developing digital biotechnology, taking advantage of multi-modal data from wearables and phones.
This data includes typing speed, texting style, app usage habits, sleep, voice or conference call frequency.
By analyzing, the system can detect small changes in cognitive function, which are early signs of Alzheimer's.
Samsung believes that personal devices have a great advantage in health tracking because they record daily habit details with high sensitivity.
For example, the ability to remember and repeat short sentences reflects the activity of the brain area related to short-term memory. The fluidity and accuracy of communication will show language ability, while reducing the frequency of interaction on social networks or calling can be a warning signal.
To demonstrate the feasibility, Samsung has expanded two studies, one focusing on analyzing keyboard typing on smartphones, and the use of the Galaxy watch to track gait and cognitive ability.
The results of these studies were highly appreciated, in the top 7% report at the IEEE International Conference on Engineering in Medicine and Biology (EMBS) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The company said the accuracy of the studies is equivalent to memories screening tests at hospitals.
Although the technology cannot be integrated right on the next generation of Galaxy devices, Samsung hopes that in the near future, phones and smartwatches will not only be a basic communication and health tracking support tool but also become a useful tool in early detection of Alzheimer's disease, helping users proactively examine and treat them in time.
