Neurology Research and Care in the Digital Age: How Digital Health Technologies are Transforming the Field

Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) are emerging as a game-changer in neurology research and care, with connected sensors and other digital devices providing a unique opportunity to collect real-time data. This data can help researchers and clinicians better understand and manage chronic neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

A recent study analyzed the use of DHTs in clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for these four neurological disorders. The study found that there has been significant growth in the collection of both established and novel digital measures in recent years.

The growth in the collection of established digital measures, such as motor function, cognitive function, and gait analysis, has been one of the key findings of the study. Wearable sensors and mobile apps are increasingly being used to collect data on these measures in real-time, providing valuable insights into the progression of neurological disorders and the effectiveness of treatments.

The study also found a growth in the collection of novel digital measures using DHTs, such as speech analysis, eye tracking, and virtual reality. These measures offer a unique opportunity to collect data that was previously difficult to obtain and can provide valuable insights into neurological disorders.

One of the key trends in the use of DHTs in neurology research and care is the use of remote monitoring to allow clinicians to monitor patients in real-time and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed. Another trend is the use of DHTs in patient empowerment, where patients can use digital devices to monitor their own symptoms and track their progress over time.

Overall, the study concludes that DHTs offer significant promise for improving data collection and patient empowerment in neurology research and care. With ongoing research and development in this area, the use of DHTs is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, transforming the field of neurology research and care in the digital age.