By Amber Roman
Nov 23, 2024, 09:00 AM EST
An innovative approach could revolutionize early detection of Alzheimer’s through the use of headphones with built-in microphones. Researchers at the École de Technologie Supérieure and Dartmouth University are developing technology that harnesses eardrum vibrations generated by rapid eye movements, known as saccades. These movements, essential for motor and cognitive functioning, are altered in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, offering an early window for their identification.
Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 50 million people worldwide, is not only devastating for those who suffer from it, but also for their families. Its early diagnosis is a challenge due to its slow progression and the lack of accessible and economical tools. Currently, the analysis of saccades requires advanced, expensive and inaccessible eye tracking equipment. However, this new research could change that reality.
The key to this method lies in the use of devices known as “hearables”. These headphones with in-ear microphones capture eardrum vibrations that occur during eye movements. According to Miriam Boutros, one of the lead researchers, these devices have the potential to transform ordinary headphones into advanced medical tools. “Our goal is to develop algorithms that allow continuous and long-term monitoring, which could facilitate the early detection of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s,” explained Boutros.
The team, led by Rachel Bouserhal of the Research in Hearing Health and Assistive Devices (RHAD) Laboratory and Chris Niemczak of the Geisel School of Medicine, is conducting experiments with volunteers. These studies combine hearing devices and conventional eye trackers to identify specific eye movement patterns. Researchers seek to correlate the signals captured by the microphones with healthy saccades and others that indicate neurological disorders.
Arian Shamei, another member of the team, highlighted the relevance of eye movements in diagnosis. “Eye movements are some of the fastest and most precise in the human body, so their analysis offers key information about motor and cognitive skills,” he said. This precision in analysis could be crucial to differentiate between normal signals and those associated with neurological impairment.
The study will be officially presented on November 19 during the 187th meeting of the American Acoustical Society. This platform will allow researchers to share significant advances in a project that promises to have applications beyond Alzheimer’s. Shamei expressed his vision for the future: “We would like to address other neurological diseases, identifying specific symptoms through auditory signals and developing technologies to track multiple conditions.”
This non-invasive approach could democratize access to brain health monitoring, allowing the implementation of preventive strategies in early stages of the disease. Headphones, common and accessible devices, would become essential allies in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other disorders.
The project, although still in the experimental phase, already offers a new perspective on personalized medicine. Integrating hearing technology with advanced algorithms not only simplifies the diagnostic process but also significantly reduces costs. This represents a step forward in accessible healthcare, especially in resource-limited regions.
With research like this, the future of neurology looks brighter. Advances in wearable technology could redefine the way chronic diseases are monitored, giving millions of people the chance for early diagnosis and, potentially, a better quality of life.
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