Voice test for Parkinson's Disease developed

Engineers have designed a voice test using speech algorithms to help detect Parkinson’s, a neurological disease, in its early stages to ensure effective treatment.

 

The team of engineers is working to make the voice-based test for Parkinson’s as accurate as clinical tests, tech site Mashable reported.

 

"Currently, the team of mathematicians and engineers are asking residents of seven countries to make anonymous three-minute phone calls to a voice bank ... The algorithm will scour out 'biomarkers' for the disease — symptoms that show up in how people speak," it said.

 

Samples will refine the algorithm so it can “learn" how to separate the true symptoms of the disease from other factors, TED Fellow and mathematician Max Little said.

 

Mashable said Little, who announced the launch of Parkinson’s Voice Initiative at TEDGlobal 2012, hopes to collect around 10,000 voice samples globally.

 

It said the goal is to create a "high-speed, voice-based" test that individuals can administer easily.

 

"Remote speech testing will cut out the need for clinic visits. Those with Parkinson’s Disease can take the test remotely and often. Doctors can optimize dosage and timing for medication," Mashable added.

 

25% complete

 

For now, the Parkinson’s Voice Initiative is more than 25 percent complete after Monday’s TED announcement.

 

It cited a TED blog update that said the project received 1,500 samples within the first 24 hours. — TJD, GMA News