A study suggests that older adults at risk for dementia can be identified through mobile data obtained during a wayfinding task. Researchers found that those with subjective cognitive decline paused more frequently during a scavenger hunt, indicating potential cognitive issues. Spatial navigation deficits are early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The study tracked movement using GPS technology, with older adults showing more orientation stops and hesitations. This research could lead to a low-cost screening tool for early dementia diagnosis. Experts believe that smartphone apps could reshape brain health monitoring, offering personalized brain training exercises to prevent cognitive decline. Additional research and app development are needed to further explore these possibilities.
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Smartphone Data Flag Early Dementia Risk in Older Adults
