Detection got easier.
Researchers are exploring a new approach for early Alzheimer’s detection by using earpiece microphones to analyze vibrations in the eardrums. This innovative method focuses on changes in eye movements, specifically saccades, which are rapid eye movements that occur when shifting focus between targets. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often experience slower, less accurate eye movements, which can cause vibrations in the eardrums that can be detected using these specialized in-ear devices.
The team behind this research includes scientists from the École de Technologie Supérieure in Montreal and Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine. The project is led by Miriam Boutros, a Master’s student, who presented the team’s work at a conference in November 2024. They aim to use “hearables”—small wearable devices placed in the ear canal—to detect these subtle changes in eye movement and other bodily signals such as heart rate, breathing, and even blinks. The devices are intended to help diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier than current methods.
The researchers are conducting experiments to compare the data obtained from participants wearing these hearables against traditional eye-tracking methods. Their goal is to correlate vibrations from eye movements with saccade characteristics such as amplitude and trajectory. The hearables, equipped with highly sensitive microphones, are able to capture these subtle vibrations, which are often amplified due to the occlusion of the ear canal. This technology is seen as less intrusive and more convenient than traditional eye-tracking equipment.
The ultimate aim is to develop a non-invasive, continuous monitoring system that can detect Alzheimer’s and potentially other neurological diseases early on, before significant cognitive decline occurs. However, the research is still in its early stages, and the team is actively recruiting participants with Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment for further studies. Despite the promise of this technology, experts like Dr. Alexander Solomon express concerns about its real-world utility, citing factors such as the variability in data and the challenge of accurately inferring eye movement from eardrum vibrations alone.
Nonetheless, the research is seen as a step forward in the ongoing effort to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier. While there are still uncertainties and challenges to address, the potential for wearable devices to screen for cognitive impairment in everyday settings offers a promising avenue for improving early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s.
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