Reversed earbuds could potentially serve as an early detection tool for Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease and other afflictions could potentially be detected through the use of earbud-like microphones, according to medical researchers. These innovative devices, colloquially known as "hearables," transmit sounds outside of the ear after blocking external noises from penetrating, similar to cupping a hand over an ear to seem like one is listening to one's heart.
By filtering out external sounds, the ear gains better ability to discern noises from within the body. While this method doesn't offer detailed information without technological assistance, sensitive microphones like those employed by Miriam Boutros's team at École de Technologie Supérieure in Montreal can detect a multitude of subtle bodily functions, including the blink of an eye.
Moreover, these wearable devices can pick up rapid eye movements known as saccades, quick flicks of the eyes that happen when something captures attention or one is scanning a page. The significance lies in the fact that an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease is these saccades becoming shorter, more irregular, and less precise. Therefore, studying these patterns could be critical for early detection.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, treatments are available that can slow its progression. Boutros is now focusing on applying this technology to detect early signs of Parkinson's disease, concentrating on noises produced during swallowing. "Parkinson's disease patients have trouble regulating their breath for swallowing," she explains, "and swallowing is easily detectable when we get the signal from the ear microphone, so this could be a marker for Parkinson's disease."
Genetics, amyloid plaques and tau tangles, inflammation and oxidative stress, lifestyle factors, and age are all identified as contributing factors to Alzheimer's development, though the exact cause remains elusive. Ongoing research seeks to understand these elements' interactions and their role in the disease.
- The innovative 'hearables', by filtering out external sounds, could potentially aid in detecting subtle bodily functions, such as rapid eye movements, which are crucial for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.
- Besides Alzheimer's disease, this technology could also be applied to detect early signs of other neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, with a focus on noises produced during swallowing.
- Although genetics, amyloid plaques, tau tangles, inflammation, oxidative stress, lifestyle factors, and age are identified as contributing factors to Alzheimer's disease, this research aims to understand their interactions and their role in the disease, with the ultimate goal of improving mental health and overall health and wellness.
