Groundbreaking AI pen detects Parkinson’s by analysing handwriting

Scientists have developed a special pen that analyses hand movements using artificial intelligence to detect early signs of Parkinson’s, an advance that could lead to low-cost diagnosis for the disease.

The device can identify differences in the writing styles of people with and without the neurological disease, which affects 10 million people worldwide. Symptoms include tremors and deteriorating limb and body movements.

It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer ’s, and the fastest growing of such conditions.

However, diagnoses typically done by observing patient motor skills remain underestimates in low- and middle-income countries due to a shortage of specialists.

Handwriting is a complex process requiring brain-hand coordination and previous re