Apple Watch will monitor for symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Apple Watch
Apple is adding a Movement Disorder API to the Watch operating system Credit: Bloomberg

The Apple Watch will be able to monitor for shakes and tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease to help sufferers’ better manage the condition.

The wristband will detect hand shakes and dyskinesia, the involuntary movements that often occur while taking medication to treat the disease.

The “Movement Disorder” software could prove groundbreaking for patients who typically visit their doctor and sit through physical tests to show whether their tremors have increased, suggesting a progression of the disease.

It means from later this year, software developers will be able to create apps that check for Parkinson's symptoms. It will come with an update to the Apple Watch software released later this year.

The feature will also make it easier for patients to record and share this information with doctors, potentially limiting visits to their specialist and the need to keep a diary. 

Apple has been working to create apps for those with Parkinson’s for several years and in 2015 launched the mPower app, used by 10,000 people, which Apple claims is the “largest Parkinson’s study in history”.

Apple boss Tim Cook speaks during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose on Monday
Apple boss Tim Cook speaks during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose Credit: Bloomberg

The app measures dexterity, balance, gait and memory and shares this with researchers who have been able to work out the effect sleep, exercise and mood can have on symptoms. It also provides apps for diagnosing autism and managing diabetes. 

Last year Microsoft invented a wristwatch that calmed a woman's tremors by sending vibrations that stops shaking associated with the neurological disease. Google also created a spoon that makes it easier to eat while experiencing tremors. 

The new Apple features were announced during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose this week.

During the event, the tech giant revealed its plans for iOS 12, which included group Facetime, Memojis and new tools to curb smartphone use, echoing a growing resistance among Silicon Valley to beat so-called “smartphone addiction”. It hopes to improve data privacy with new Safari browser tools that notify users when a “Like” or “Share” button placed on a website is trying to mine their personal information. Launching the new features, software engineering chief Craig Federighi told the 6,000 attendees that “your private data should remain private”.

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