How artificial intelligence could improve Parkinson’s care

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is everywhere today. You hear about it on the news, at work, from your friends and family. There are stories of it being used to create everything from a sixth grader’s essay to a doctoral thesis. I’m using a tool with AI right now to write this column. It corrects my spelling and grammar, suggests the next word I might want to use, and rewrites sentences for clarity. AI can feel scary, but one of its most exciting uses is in the medical field, and what it can do for Parkinson’s patients.

AI is good at taking large amounts of information and finding patterns in it. It’s also good at filling in gaps — sometimes with accurate information and sometimes with things it makes up! That’s why AI must always be used in concert with human intelligence.

However, its ability to recognize similarities and patterns in movement has great potential to help diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease. One example of that is a new software called VisionMD.

Recommended Reading

April 11, 2025 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD

Wearable sensors may help monitor, ease Parkinson’s swallowing issues

This software, which is open-source and available for free, uses AI to analyze video taken right from the built-in camera on a computer or a phone to detect changes in motor symptoms. That’s important because assessing progression in Parkinson’s disease can be inconsistent. Many neurologists use the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale to compare different stages of the disease. This scale can be subjective based on who’s doing the exam, and humans can miss subtle changes that AI can detect.

While the software is still new, a paper published in npj Parkinson’s Disease found that the software’s ratings were even more consistent than those from experienced neurologists.

Another study being conducted at Emory University’s Movement Disorders Center in Georgia is using AI’s data-processing capabilities to understand what causes gait freezing and to test treatments and ways of managing this common Parkinson’s symptom.

The technology is being used in a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of gamma sensory flicker, a noninvasive therapy originally developed to treat Alzheimer’s. It’s based on the theory that flickering sound and light can potentially disrupt brain signals and ease symptoms. The study leads touted the “precision and consistency” of AI-powered symptom tracking.

Another application is one I’ve personally experienced. I went to see one of my doctors the other day, and they had new AI transcription software. The program recorded the appointment, developed an accurate transcription, summarized the discussion, and suggested links to preapproved content on our treatment plan, which my provider texted me before I could get to my car.

One study found that doctors spend as much as one-third of their time writing notes. By using AI, doctors can reduce time on paperwork and make visits more productive. If you’re anything like me, remembering everything you talk about in an appointment is difficult. After this visit, I had an instant summary and follow-up materials to help me remember.

I also like the idea of using AI to monitor symptoms like gait issues. That’s long been a challenge for me, and it’s hard for me to see gait changes in myself. Having a consistent and objective “eye” could be helpful.

AI cannot be used alone in diagnosing or treating a disease like Parkinson’s. But if it can help extend the reach and consistency of evaluations and give patients more accurate assessments of their disease, I welcome it. We’ll always need doctors to oversee these tools, just like my column will always need a human editor, but it’s another way to potentially improve care for Parkinson’s patients.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.