Alzheimer’s: Early detection hope using sensors that monitor how you walk

DEMENTIA affects 850,000 people in the UK, of which Alzheimer’s is the most common type. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty problem solving or putting an item in the wrong place, like an iron in a fridge. Detecting the condition earlier may help slow the condition as treatment can be given earlier. Now, a study has suggested that sensors may be the key to detect it earlier.

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Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

It has many symptoms, including memory loss and misplacing items, which cause problems for people with the condition.

Almost two-thirds of people who may have dementia do not get diagnosed, because they feel it will mean their life is over, according to a study by the Alzheimer’s Society.

However, the NHS says that getting dementia diagnosed early has “many benefits”.

A recent study has provided new hope for this by using simple sensors to monitor how you walk.

Published last week in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, a pilot study involving scientists from Newcastle University suggested that monitoring walking could allow the disease to be detected early.

Wearing small sensors on their lower back, 20 patients with early Alzheimer’s had their walking movements recorded as they carried out day to day tasks.

The data they collected found that the way someone walks is a “feasible” and “suitable” way to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers claim.

“Clinical use of body-worn sensors in annual health assessments could track gait changes over time and act as a red flag for cognitive impairment,” said Professor Lynn Rochester from Newcastle University, who was involved with the study.

“Body-worn sensors can provide an enriched picture of an individual’s gait function and walking activities that could act as a complimentary diagnostic tool for clinicians.”

dementia alzheimers, alzheimers diseaseGetty Images and Newcastle University

Alzheimers: Sensors measuring your walk could help to diagnose the condition

dementia alzheimers, alzheimers diseaseGetty Images

Alzheimer's: Symptoms of the condition include memory loss

Dr James Picket, Head of Research at the Alzheimer's Society, said in response to the study,

"This is a small early stage study focusing on Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Society is funding further research to see whether this process can be applied to diagnose other forms of dementia.

"Still in its early stages of development, the device measures the gait of the wearer, tracking their different movements, which in turn, could pave the way for earlier diagnosis, and improved treatment of the disease.

"Of the top ten causes of death, dementia is the only one that we can't cure, prevent, or slow down, and it can be difficult to reliably diagnose in its early stages."

dementia alzheimers, alzheimers diseaseGetty Images

Alzheimer's: Early diagnosis means treatment can be administered earlier

The study looking into the use of sensors for early dementia diagnosis is part of a £6.9 million project funded by the National Institute for Health Research and the Medical Research Council.

With the number of sufferers of Alzheimer’s set to rise due to an ageing population, there may be the chance of treating the disease earlier, which is vital to prevent damage to people’s memory and thinking.

Other possible early signs of dementia include reduced thinking speed, slow movement and tiredness.

“Every person is unique and dementia affects people differently - no two people will have symptoms that develop in exactly the same way,” said Alzheimer’s Disease International.

“An individual's personality, general health and social situation are all important factors in determining the impact of dementia on him or her.

“The most common signs are memory loss and the loss of practical abilities, which can lead to withdrawal from work or social activities.

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