Apple and Eli Lilly Are Studying Whether Data From iPhones and Apple Watches Can Detect Signs of Dementia

Apple and Eli Lilly partnered on a research project to find evidence of cognitive decline by using data from iPhones, Apple Watches, and sleep monitors, reports CNBC . The 12-week early-stage study published in the ACM Digital Library focused on an 82-person control group and 31 individuals with varying stages of cognitive decline and dementia. In collaboration with health technology startup Evidation, Apple and Eli Lilly sought methods to detect cognitive impairments faster and with greater precision, using popular consumer devices. "We looked at how everyday behavior data, such as those captured by iPhones, Apple Watches, and Beddit sleep monitors, may be effective in differentiating between individuals with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease, and those without symptoms," said Evidation co-founder Christine Lemke. The results indicated that people with symptoms of cognitive decline typed more slowly and less regularly, and sent fewer texts than healthy participants. The dementia-affected cohort also relied more on support apps, and was less inclined to fill out surveys.