Scientists have created a revolutionary pen that uses artificial intelligence to detect early signs of Parkinson’s disease by analysing handwriting.
This smart pen contains magnetic ink and a flexible tip, helping researchers measure hand movements during writing tasks both on and off paper. It can detect subtle differences in the handwriting of people with and without Parkinson’s, a disease that affects over 10 million people around the world.
Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and the fastest growing. It causes tremors, slowed movement, and stiffness, making early diagnosis vital for better care.
However, in many low- and middle-income countries, Parkinson’s often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of medical specialists. Diagnoses usually rely on observing a patient’s motor skills, which can be difficult without trained professionals.
Since handwriting involves brain and muscle coordination, it can be a powerful tool for spotting early changes linked to the disease.
Researchers, including those from the University of California Los Angeles, tested the pen on three Parkinson’s patients and 13 healthy people. With the help of AI, the pen was able to identify signs of Parkinson’s with over 95% accuracy in this small group.
Scientists hope this tool will become a low-cost and accessible way to diagnose Parkinson’s in large populations, especially in areas with limited healthcare.
They say the pen could be especially helpful for people who don’t yet realise they have the disease.
