AI tool uses walking patterns to detect early signs of dementia
Elderly care in Taiwan adopts AI-powered screening tools.
Fujitsu and Acer Medical are trialling an AI-powered tool to help identify early signs of dementia and Parkinson’s disease by analysing patients’ walking patterns. The system, called aiGait and powered by Fujitsu’s Uvance skeleton recognition technology, converts routine movements into health data.
Initial tests are taking place at a daycare centre linked to Taipei Veterans Hospital, using tablets and smartphones to record basic patient movements. The AI compares this footage with known movement patterns associated with neurodegenerative conditions, helping caregivers detect subtle abnormalities.
The tool is designed to support early intervention, with abnormal results prompting follow-up by healthcare professionals. Acer Medical plans to expand the service to elderly care centres across Taiwan by the end of the year.
Fujitsu’s AI was originally developed for gymnastics scoring and adapted to analyse real-world gait data with high accuracy using everyday mobile devices. Both companies hope to extend the technology’s use to paediatrics, sports science, and rehabilitation in future.
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