[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":366},["ShallowReactive",2],{"slug-alcohol-smoking-drugs-can-digital-health-technologies-give-a-helping-hand-to-the-addicted":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":200,"relatedBooks":365},{"id":5,"date":6,"date_gmt":7,"guid":8,"modified":10,"modified_gmt":11,"slug":12,"status":13,"type":14,"link":15,"title":16,"content":18,"excerpt":21,"author":23,"featured_media":24,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":29,"categories":30,"tags":39,"project_category":56,"contact_email_category":59,"yst_prominent_words":60,"class_list":71,"better_featured_image":104,"acf":135,"yoast_meta":144,"_links":147},22502,"2021-07-15T11:55:00","2021-07-15T09:55:00",{"rendered":9},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F","2021-09-16T10:53:43","2021-09-16T08:53:43","alcohol-smoking-drugs-can-digital-health-technologies-give-a-helping-hand-to-the-addicted","publish","post","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Falcohol-smoking-drugs-can-digital-health-technologies-give-a-helping-hand-to-the-addicted",{"rendered":17},"Alcohol, Smoking, Drugs: How Technology Can Help",{"rendered":19,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The global statistics on substance use are disquieting. Globally, about \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fnews-room\u002Ffact-sheets\u002Fdetail\u002Falcohol\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 million people die\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> every year from alcohol abuse. Tobacco kills up to \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fnews-room\u002Ffact-sheets\u002Fdetail\u002Ftobacco\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">half of its users\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> – over 8 million people annually. And the UN’s \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.unodc.org\u002Funodc\u002Fpress\u002Freleases\u002F2021\u002FJune\u002Funodc-world-drug-report-2021_-pandemic-effects-ramp-up-drug-risks--as-youth-underestimate-cannabis-dangers.html\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2021 World Drug Report\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> estimated that around 275 million people used drugs worldwide in 2020, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorders.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disruptive technologies could act only as additional tools for managing preventive or reactive treatment for both victims and physicians next to therapy. Alcohol content-measuring wristbands, smart lighters, nicotine tracking wearables, stop smoking apps, virtual reality therapies, automated messaging platforms, and even sobering networking apps are the newest elements in the arsenal of digital health technologies supporting everyone in the fight against addiction.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to know more about the potential role of digital health in the opioid crisis, read our article \u003C\u002Fspan>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdigital-health-supports-fight-opioids\u002F\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital Health Supports The Fight Against Opioids\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Fsober-768x576.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35263\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Fsober-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Fsober.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: Insider.com\u003Cbr>Google Play\u002FSober Time\u002FSober Grid\u002F I Am Sober\u002FSober Tool\u002FNomo\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Alcohol: responsible for 1 in 20 deaths globally\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Alcohol is a powerful drug and it takes too many lives. Various technologies, such as apps, trackers or online programs, aim to prevent excessive alcohol use or treat existing alcohol problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As in the majority of substance abuse cases, prevention is of utmost importance. While\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thelancet.com\u002Farticle\u002FS0140-6736(18)31571-X\u002Ffulltext\"> comprehensive research found\u003C\u002Fa> that the best thing for our health would be not to consume alcohol at all, moderation methods can already help avoid more severe health-related problems, issues around binge drinking or addiction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t look back you’re not going that way\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fsearch?q=alcohol%20tracker&c=apps\">Many apps\u003C\u002Fa> are tracking how much alcohol the user consumed and how their stance is towards liquor. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdrinkcontrolapp.com\u002F\">DrinkControl\u003C\u002Fa> does precisely that, while \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fdrinkcoach.org.uk\u002F\">DrinkCoach\u003C\u002Fa> additionally offers users (in the UK) the in-app chance to consult with a professional “Drink Coach.” A simple and easy-to-use app, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsaynomo.com\u002F\">NOMO\u003C\u002Fa> helps users count the days they’ve been sober. This one’s a simple app using this ease to motivate people – by saying no more. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=com.sociosoft.sobertime&hl=en&gl=US\">SoberTime\u003C\u002Fa> offers a built-in community that tracks how long you have been clean and sober; and there are also multiple apps supporting AA’s 12 steps program, like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fapps.apple.com\u002Fus\u002Fapp\u002Faa-joe-charlie-big-book-work\u002Fid1089811749\">Joe & Charlie\u003C\u002Fa> or the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=me.deanhuff.companion&hl=en&gl=US\">12 Steps AA Companion\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=com.ibyteapps.aa12stepguide\"> 12 Step Guide – AA\u003C\u002Fa> is based on the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and it includes a sobriety calculator. Beyond smartphone applications and wearables, within the framework of a pilot program in Belarus, Brazil, India and Mexico,\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fsubstance_abuse\u002Factivities\u002Fehealth\u002Fen\u002F\"> the UN launched innovative e-portals\u003C\u002Fa> with self-help intervention tools, among others providing a self-screening tool for hazardous and harmful use of alcohol and a fully computerised self-help programme for people who wish to reduce or stop drinking alcohol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A wearable called\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bactrack.com\u002Fpages\u002Fbactrack-skyn-wearable-alcohol-monitor\"> Skyn\u003C\u002Fa>, which\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fsustainable-business\u002F2016\u002Fmay\u002F28\u002Fwearables-apps-problem-drinking-alcohol-alcoholics-bactrack-skyn\"> looks like the sort of wristband runners wear to measure their speed and heartbeat\u003C\u002Fa>, calculates the body’s alcohol content. Three-quarters of an hour after drinking, the Skyn’s wearer can see their blood alcohol content (BAC) on the wristband. The slim and comfortable \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ionwearable.com\u002F\">ION™ Wearable\u003C\u002Fa> provides continuous alcohol consumption monitoring. A \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medrxiv.org\u002Fcontent\u002F10.1101\u002F2021.02.17.21251959v1.full\">pilot study\u003C\u002Fa> using BACtrack Skyn also emphasised the positive value of such wearable alcohol trackers for more objective measures of alcohol use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Measure Your Alcohol Level By Wearing This Wristband\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Foqy2r52cCB8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, one of our favourites is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sobergrid.com\u002F\">Sober Grid\u003C\u002Fa>. This app connects those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and those trying to get sober. Its geolocation-based peer support feature helps users find people in the vicinity they can immediately connect with, thereby reducing relapses. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fposts\u002Fhelping-sober-of-46692364\">In our exclusive interview on Patreon\u003C\u002Fa>, Sober Grid’s advisory board member Jason Abate told me how an algorithm filters those cases wherein immediate human intervention would be needed. With over 300,000 registered members in 170 countries, with about 50% of them in long-term recovery, SoberGrid is helping on a large scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>COVID-19 didn’t make it easier for people living with addictions. According to an \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd.org\u002Fcoronavirus\u002Fpolicy-responses\u002Fthe-effect-of-covid-19-on-alcohol-consumption-and-policy-responses-to-prevent-harmful-alcohol-consumption-53890024\u002F\">OECD report\u003C\u002Fa> released May 2021, ​​there has been an increase in domestic violence during the pandemic, for which harmful alcohol consumption is a risk factor. However, it seems telemedicine could fill some of the gaps in providing care for those in need. It \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedcitynews.com\u002F2020\u002F05\u002Ftelemedicine-for-alcohol-use-disorder-isnt-just-a-fad\u002F\">also seems to last\u003C\u002Fa>, which is particularly good for people in remote areas or with challenging circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tobacco: l\u003Cstrong>ives going up in smoke\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Despite the overarching campaigns against smoking in numerous (highly developed) countries – bans on smoking in public spaces, restrictions on tobacco advertisements and marketing channels -, the statistics around tobacco-related issues are no less disappointing than in the case of alcohol. One reason is that while the attitude in European countries and the US strongly goes against smoking, tobacco companies are massively advertising in the developing world,\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.health-e.org.za\u002F2018\u002F08\u002F31\u002Fcigarette-market-soaring-in-africa\u002F\"> especially Africa\u003C\u002Fa> and\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fasia.nikkei.com\u002FEconomy\u002FSoutheast-Asia-a-smoker-s-paradise-no-more\"> Asia\u003C\u002Fa> – where the numbers of smokers soar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-left\">That’s frustrating on many levels, but primarily because it’s almost common knowledge that smoking increases the risk of death from ischemic heart disease, cancer, stroke, and respiratory diseases. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">\u003Cstrong>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"627\" height=\"352\" alt=\"stop smoking apps\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh4.googleusercontent.com\u002Fbb0GvCE6CuwEM5I4n4EZ-MqAjDqcx_TkWtHz9Ar0ZwN4PSAwAf_BKkVz2Ob4yYuKib6eaXi5FRd7j2QfqDuD5MoBZmzh_hNcdQfy2twdvJit8P8DuzrU33v4jO9TJs408bpSFylj\">\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp class=\"has-text-align-center\">Source: www.npr.org\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Stop smoking apps, smart lighters and co.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Luckily, health tech developers are creative in aiding individuals desperately searching for ways to stop smoking. One of the most popular means is to download an app coaching you to develop a personalised plan for quitting.\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=com.claritasmindsciences.CravingToQuit\"> Popular apps like Craving to Quit\u003C\u002Fa> or\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fplay.google.com\u002Fstore\u002Fapps\u002Fdetails?id=com.EAGINsoftware.dejaloYa\"> QuitNow!\u003C\u002Fa> all offer virtual aids in case you want to stop with the fumes. Gamification, support grid and rewards await those trying to quit with these apps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Initially helping its founder quit smoking, \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.quitbitlighter.com\u002F\">Quitbit\u003C\u002Fa> lighter is a digital tool that supports the determined. As they write, “if you can measure it, you can manage it” – Quitbit helps track, reduce and, ultimately, quit smoking. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Another company helping smoking cessation, Carrot, has just \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Ffda-clears-carrots-smoking-cessation-sensor-be-used-without-doctor-oversight\">received an FDA clearance\u003C\u002Fa> for its digital breath sensor. The breathalyser can detect a user’s exposure to cigarette smoke and compare the carbon monoxide levels in their body to that of a nonsmoker. This is good enough motivation for many users.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The WHO tries to overcome the burdens caused by smoking on a global scale. For this, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.euro.who.int\u002Fen\u002Fhealth-topics\u002FHealth-systems\u002Fdigital-health\u002Fnews\u002Fnews\u002F2021\u002F2\u002Fmeet-florence,-whos-digital-health-worker-who-can-help-you-quit-tobacco\">organisation “employed” Florence\u003C\u002Fa>, a 24\u002F7 virtual health worker to provide online counselling, make a quitting plan, and even recommend helplines and support apps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Meet Florence - she can help you quit tobacco!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FR8Uw0D9Ytso?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cravingtoquit.com\u002F\">Craving to Quit\u003C\u002Fa> is a program successfully helping people quit tobacco. Users can learn exercises to manage cravings, have live video chats with addiction experts, or join the online community support chat with others wanting to quit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.workithealth.com\u002F\">Workit Health\u003C\u002Fa> helps in the fight against all kinds of addictions, from alcohol and opioids to tobacco, gambling and sex. Its app-based recovery program offers online therapies through telehealth, medication management, counsellor or clinician support and more. They also have a chain of clinics throughout the U.S. providing clinical treatment options as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Other recovery digital programs, like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.marigoldhealth.com\u002F\">Marigold\u003C\u002Fa>, a chat-based support group therapy software, and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dynamicarehealth.com\u002F\">DynamiCare\u003C\u002Fa>, a personalised coaching platform combining smartphone-based remote alcohol, drug and nicotine testing, offer straight-on financial rewards. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fjoinmonument.com\u002F\">Monument\u003C\u002Fa>, an online alcohol addiction treatment platform, gained more than 12,000 members in its first 2 years. Their specialised, holistic approach “\u003Cem>reframes the role of alcohol in your life\u003C\u002Fem>” and improves mental health.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"627\" height=\"331\" alt=\"stop smoking apps\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh5.googleusercontent.com\u002F9rPIs0Go6SJsuQviuEd76SKCR8KrgPb-XndioqqOeaxm6SpGDchr9O4XCUEQECsVNbPr3l_3w0TwAcySGy3tzorLpmaK8BuM35VKFNAbqXbmURaInipnYMB7n5vZ0b0_nUksf4Y0\"> The Quitbit smart lighter. Source: \u003Ca href=\"about:blank\">www.news.softpedia.com[\u002Fcaption\u003C\u002Fa>]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Digital technology will not leave drug addicts behind\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The most painful and destructive substances with the lowest rates of rehabilitation success are hard drugs. Opioids, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and the like are incredibly tough to fight. According to the American \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.addictioncenter.com\u002Fnews\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Fdrug-use-peaks-after-50-year-war-on-drugs\u002F\">Addiction Center\u003C\u002Fa>, in the 50th year of the War On Drugs President Nixon started in the 1970s, drug use peaked in the States. Once again, after the 2019 peak, 2020 marked yet another dark peak \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.commonwealthfund.org\u002Fblog\u002F2021\u002Fspike-drug-overdose-deaths-during-covid-19-pandemic-and-policy-options-move-forward\">in the number of overdoses\u003C\u002Fa>. But opioid use is a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fnews.un.org\u002Fen\u002Fstory\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F1041341\">global concern\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Again, disruptive technologies cannot replace medical treatment or psychological guidance here,\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdigital-health-supports-fight-opioids\"> yet, artificial intelligence, digital maps\u003C\u002Fa>, smartphone apps or electronic prescriptions can help aid the process. An exciting alternative presents itself\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhealthtechmagazine.net\u002Farticle\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fvirtual-reality-could-be-another-tool-fight-against-opioid-epidemic\"> \u003C\u002Fa>with the appearance of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhealthtechmagazine.net\u002Farticle\u002F2017\u002F07\u002Fvirtual-reality-could-be-another-tool-fight-against-opioid-epidemic\">virtual reality to avoid the use of prescription painkillers\u003C\u002Fa> or as a strategy of distraction at the time of craving during the rehabilitation process. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmhealthintelligence.com\u002Fnews\u002Ffda-challenge-eyes-digital-health-technology-to-combat-opioid-abuse\">Another effort came from the FDA\u003C\u002Fa> in May 2018: the agency launched an innovation challenge to ramp up efforts to use mHealth and telehealth to combat the nation’s opioid abuse epidemic. The Agency’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fda.gov\u002Fnews-events\u002Ffda-voices\u002Ffdas-budget-advancing-goal-ending-opioid-crisis\">FY2022 budget reflects\u003C\u002Fa> the Administration’s ambition to end the opioid crisis. It includes funding for the “\u003Cem>development, evaluation, and marketing authorisation of digital health medical devices.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘\u003Cem>It always seems impossible until it’s done\u003C\u002Fem>‘ – Nelson Mandela\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtual treatment (thus telehealth) options are available at many providers. These apps also offer support groups, virtual guidance and coaching, and may also connect users directly to therapists. Digital health platform \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fboulder.care\u002F\">Boulder\u003C\u002Fa> expands access to effective treatment for opiate use; \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpeartherapeutics.com\u002F\">Pear Therapeutics\u003C\u002Fa> is a provider of software-based digital therapy. Pear is tested in clinical trials, evaluated by the FDA, and prescribed by healthcare providers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Connection, rewards and peer support are crucial in drug recovery. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.weconnectrecovery.com\u002Fhow-it-works\">WeConnect\u003C\u002Fa> puts this into focus in its application in an attempt to save lives and help with multiple addictions. Another approach is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.therecoveryvillage.com\u002Ftreatment-program\u002Fnews\u002Fvirtual-reality-tool-helps-addicts-practice-saying-no-drugs\u002F\">virtual reality (VR) supporting addicts\u003C\u002Fa> to overcome their cravings. Researchers at Vanderbilt University tested a virtual reality program counteracting negative emotions regarding cravings with promising results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Flh4.googleusercontent.com\u002FtDcAtjlORGOswLV_jnRVhcqjdBGI0GltlHUUBYDv-kcUnhxTfVuBQBYQxTjrzYjU62Qj5_H0zbdWPH7xVQf5r5Mtzc-u8UplnfqYuWU_Ex6v0d4a3jOznGoWojc0UF6Gs479CFpT\" width=\"627\" height=\"419\"> Source: www.seeker.com\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs promise an easy way out of troubles or just a solution to have a great time – or at least a better one than experienced everyday-life situations, the war on addiction gets tough beyond belief. Coupled with mental health problems, financial troubles or issues in an individual’s environment: it seemed almost impossible to do anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Digital health technologies might represent just one tool in an arsenal of necessary support. But they could prove to be a useful tool in the hands of the ones who have the willpower, professional help, and a supportive environment to get out of the dark valley of addiction.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",false,{"rendered":22,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>The global statistics on substance use are disquieting. Globally, about 3 million people die every year from alcohol abuse. Tobacco kills up to half of […]\u003C\u002Fp>\n",6,35281,"closed",true,"","standard",{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38],491,521,490,496,497,799,494,514,[40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55],445,765,450,766,136,207,1154,246,1160,289,1161,406,408,618,425,677,[57,58],949,951,[],[61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70],1681,1725,1883,2495,3825,3829,4095,1571,1583,1617,[72,14,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103],"post-22502","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-empowered-patients","category-future-medicine","category-future-of-pharma","category-health-sensors-trackers","category-portable-diagnostics","category-security-privacy","category-telemedicine","category-virtual-reality","tag-virtual-reality","tag-opioid","tag-vr","tag-opioid-crisis","tag-alcohol","tag-digital-health","tag-medication","tag-future","tag-cigarette","tag-innovation","tag-smartphone-apps","tag-smartphone","tag-smoking","tag-health-technology","tag-technology-2","tag-drugs","project_category-educators","project_category-patients",{"id":24,"alt_text":27,"caption":27,"description":27,"media_type":105,"media_details":106,"post":5,"source_url":134},"image",{"width":107,"height":108,"file":109,"sizes":110,"image_meta":132},1920,1080,"2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_282-01.png",{"medium":111,"large":117,"thumbnail":122,"medium_large":126,"1536x1536":127},{"file":112,"width":113,"height":114,"mime-type":115,"source_url":116},"tmf_article_282-01-370x208.png","370","208","image\u002Fpng","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_282-01-370x208.png",{"file":118,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":115,"source_url":121},"tmf_article_282-01-768x432.png","768","432","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_282-01-768x432.png",{"file":123,"width":124,"height":124,"mime-type":115,"source_url":125},"tmf_article_282-01-150x150.png","150","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_282-01-150x150.png",{"file":118,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":115,"source_url":121},{"file":128,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":115,"source_url":131},"tmf_article_282-01-1536x864.png","1536","864","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_282-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":133,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":133,"copyright":27,"focal_length":133,"iso":133,"shutter_speed":133,"title":27,"orientation":133},"0","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F07\u002Ftmf_article_282-01.png",{"related_posts":20,"related_posts_footer":136,"subtitle":27,"cta_type":140,"cta_color":27,"related_books":141},[137,138,139],16640,17801,24524,"subscribe",[142,143],24759,24763,{"yoast_wpseo_title":145,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":146,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":15},"Alcohol, Smoking, Drugs: How Technology Can Help - The Medical Futurist","Stop smoking apps, wearables, VR and other digital tools effectively support the fight against addiction to cigarettes, alcohol or drugs.",{"self":148,"collection":154,"about":157,"author":160,"replies":163,"version-history":166,"predecessor-version":170,"wp:featuredmedia":174,"wp:attachment":177,"wp:term":180,"curies":196},[149],{"href":150,"targetHints":151},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F22502",{"allow":152},[153],"GET",[155],{"href":156},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts",[158],{"href":159},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftypes\u002Fpost",[161],{"embeddable":26,"href":162},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F6",[164],{"embeddable":26,"href":165},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=22502",[167],{"count":168,"href":169},11,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F22502\u002Frevisions",[171],{"id":172,"href":173},36125,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F22502\u002Frevisions\u002F36125",[175],{"embeddable":26,"href":176},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F35281",[178],{"href":179},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=22502",[181,184,187,190,193],{"taxonomy":182,"embeddable":26,"href":183},"category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=22502",{"taxonomy":185,"embeddable":26,"href":186},"post_tag","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=22502",{"taxonomy":188,"embeddable":26,"href":189},"project_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=22502",{"taxonomy":191,"embeddable":26,"href":192},"contact_email_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=22502",{"taxonomy":194,"embeddable":26,"href":195},"yst_prominent_words","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=22502",[197],{"name":198,"href":199,"templated":26},"wp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.w.org\u002F{rel}",[201],{"id":139,"date":202,"date_gmt":203,"guid":204,"modified":206,"modified_gmt":207,"slug":208,"status":13,"type":14,"link":209,"title":210,"content":212,"excerpt":214,"author":23,"featured_media":216,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":217,"categories":218,"tags":224,"project_category":247,"contact_email_category":250,"yst_prominent_words":251,"class_list":257,"better_featured_image":288,"acf":314,"yoast_meta":320,"_links":323},"2021-06-29T10:00:00","2021-06-29T08:00:00",{"rendered":205},"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?post_id=24524&_wpnonce=f09a02b833&status=auto-draft&type=post","2021-09-16T10:54:50","2021-09-16T08:54:50","digital-health-and-alzheimers-disease","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdigital-health-and-alzheimers-disease",{"rendered":211},"Emerging Trends: Technology’s Response To Alzheimer’s Disease",{"rendered":213,"protected":20},"\n\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>In our new series, Emerging Trends, we are looking at those technologies in digital health that are on a particular ‘hype cycle’ – technologies and solutions that currently stand out from the rest because of their novelty, timeliness, or greatness. These are solutions everyone’s talking about or the ones they should. \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh5>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Technological solutions to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, in particular, are rising with increasing pipeline drug development, promising biomarkers, and more. Let’s jump right in.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh5>\n\n\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Liza Marshall was “\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fus-news\u002F2021\u002Fjun\u002F22\u002Fman-with-alzheimers-proposes-to-his-wife-after-forgetting-they-were-married-she-said-yes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over the moon\u003C\u002Fa>” when she said yes to the love of her life in a small ceremony. And it didn’t matter that Peter, then a husband of Liza’s for 12 years, didn’t remember their first marriage at all. Peter Marshall has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects about 10% of people with this ailment . Gradual memory loss, cognitive decline, wandering off to unknown places, inability to dress up in the morning: living with dementia and its most common form, Alzheimer’s disease, is a heart-wrenching burden for both patients and their loved ones. Yet, as Liza Marshall told the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.washingtonpost.com\u002Flifestyle\u002F2021\u002F06\u002F21\u002Falzheimers-wedding-husband-wife-vow\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Washington Post\u003C\u002Fa>, “\u003Cem>it’s been devastating, but I’ve done my best to stay positive and focus on one day at a time.\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fnews-room\u002Ffact-sheets\u002Fdetail\u002Fdementia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WHO estimates\u003C\u002Fa> that around 50 million people have dementia worldwide. Every year, about 10 million new cases, 60-70% of it, result in Alzheimer’s disease. As the global population ages and the number of individuals suffering from these conditions rise, digital technologies step forward and offer some solutions for early detection and disease management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Cognitive decline, gradual impairment of cognitive functions such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning, some crucial aspects of human identity, degrades all other aspects of life. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nia.nih.gov\u002Fhealth\u002Falzheimers-disease-fact-sheet\" target=\"_blank\">Alzheimer’s disease\u003C\u002Fa> slowly destroys memory and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In mild cases, the patient might only forget what they were told 10 minutes ago; however, the condition can interfere with a person’s daily life and activities in severe instances. In late-stage Alzheimer’s, patients must entirely rely on others to take care of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FDementia-And-Alzheimers-1-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"digital health and Alzheimer's\" class=\"wp-image-24526\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FDementia-And-Alzheimers-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FDementia-And-Alzheimers-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FDementia-And-Alzheimers-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FDementia-And-Alzheimers-1-512x341.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: www.newsweek.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Age is one of the most critical risk factors for dementia – but it’s not an imminent result. As it’s such a complex disease, experts don’t even agree on what causes Alzheimer’s. The reasons probably include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.health.harvard.edu\u002Falzheimers-and-dementia\u002Fwhat-can-you-do-to-avoid-alzheimers-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Harvard Health Letter suggests\u003C\u002Fa> an active lifestyle with plenty of daily exercise, a Mediterranean diet (fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, legumes and fish), and getting enough sleep. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In addition, keeping up cognitive health – perhaps \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fhow-to-improve-your-cognitive-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">with some digital health technologies\u003C\u002Fa> -, learning new things and connecting socially might also add to the factors keeping the disease from developing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Early diagnosis with blood, biomarkers or smart devices\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>By the time a patient is usually diagnosed, neurons in the brain have already died, causing irreparable damage. Besides \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.lunduniversity.lu.se\u002Farticle\u002Fnew-blood-test-shows-great-promise-diagnosis-alzheimers-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">finding hints in blood tests\u003C\u002Fa>, researchers are also experimenting with digital biomarkers linked with the disease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One of these could be one’s own retina. It is “\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eurekalert.org\u002Fpub_releases\u002F2021-06\u002Fucdm-ror062321.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cem>one of the most promising biomarkers\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s\u003C\u002Fem>,” and the test can be conducted in an ophthalmologist’s office without any previous preparations. It turns out, the roughness of the retina layers can determine the stage of the disease – analysed by an A.I. within minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Using the power of consumer-grade mobile and wearable technologies is another perspective of early diagnosis. Remote monitoring of symptoms related to cognitive impairment with smart devices is the goal of multiple \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41746-019-0084-2\">studies\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.the-scientist.com\u002Fbio-business\u002Fearly-detection-of-dementia-with-smart-devices-67484\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">researches\u003C\u002Fa>. In February 2021, drugmaker Biogen and Apple were partnering to conduct a multiyear study “\u003Cem>to \u003C\u002Fem>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fbiogen-apple-launch-virtual-study-cognitive-decline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cem>establish digital biomarkers\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> for monitoring long-term cognitive performance and to spot early signs of mild cognitive impairment.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>A Quest on the Sea – for research\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Smart devices were used in the “\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.telekom.com\u002Fen\u002Fcorporate-responsibility\u002Fcorporate-responsibility\u002Fsea-hero-quest-game-for-good-587134\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">biggest research ever\u003C\u002Fa>” on dementia. With the help of telecommunications giant Deutsche Telekom, researchers from the University College London created an online game for the early detection and finding a possible treatment for dementia. According to their website, “\u003Cem>over 4.3 million players played for over 117 years in total, providing scientists with data that would have taken traditional dementia research 176 centuries to collect.”\u003C\u002Fem> The science behind the game focused on one of the first signs of dementia: loss of navigational skills. The game produced a sufficient amount of data to create a benchmark for human spatial navigation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1296\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FSea-Hero-Quest-1.jpg\" alt=\"digital health and Alzheimer's\" class=\"wp-image-24530\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FSea-Hero-Quest-1.jpg 1296w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FSea-Hero-Quest-1-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FSea-Hero-Quest-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002FSea-Hero-Quest-1-512x288.jpg 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1296px) 100vw, 1296px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: www.telekom.com\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Changes in speech patterns could also indicate the disease; thus, alongside experts, we expect that \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fapnews.com\u002Farticle\u002Fboston-science-ma-state-wire-massachusetts-nh-state-wire-74571b706309f6dcfdf1571609408a3b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital assistants, chatbots, or devices such as Amazon Alexa\u003C\u002Fa> might be used in the future to diagnose various types of dementia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And as always, A.I. is also used in the diagnosis of the disease. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) could provide insights into neuron activities within the brain – but its data is too complex to analyse. In a study in October 2020, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.spiedigitallibrary.org\u002Fjournals\u002Fjournal-of-medical-imaging\u002Fvolume-7\u002Fissue-05\u002F056001\u002FSpatiotemporal-feature-extraction-and-classification-of-Alzheimers-disease-using-deep\u002F10.1117\u002F1.JMI.7.5.056001.full?webSyncID=9d9b94ab-09cc-4461-4906-67c1debc2770&sessionGUID=796223dd-809a-d653-a431-0626932bec9c&SSO=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scientists published results\u003C\u002Fa> of the machine learning algorithms they developed analysing fMRI data. The first results are promising: the A.I.’s accuracy was “\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fspie.org\u002Fnews\u002Fartificial-intelligence-based-algorithm-for-the-early-diagnosis-of-alzheimers?SSO=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u003Cem>as high as, or higher than that of other methods\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem>.\u003C\u002Fem>” \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Treatment\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A group of researchers from the University of Queensland \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.uq.edu.au\u002Fnews\u002Farticle\u002F2021\u002F02\u002Fnew-discovery-how-brain-tangles%E2%80%99-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-disease\" target=\"_blank\">have recently discovered\u003C\u002Fa> how a protein uses the brain’s own cells to spread, which could be a cause of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding how the protein is spreading offers the opportunity to stop it, lead researcher and dementia expert Professor Jürgen Götz \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.brisbanetimes.com.au\u002Fnational\u002Fqueensland\u002Fresearch-finds-trojan-horse-spreading-alzheimer-s-causing-toxin-20210204-p56zmb.html\" target=\"_blank\">explained\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Interestingly, music might also be helpful. Dr. János Kollár, a Hungarian clinical psychologist, music therapist, trainer and assistant professor of Semmelweis University, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-amazing-world-of-music-and-digital-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">told The Medical Futurist\u003C\u002Fa> that listening to music can help older adults regain their sense of self-worth and spirit. Remembering, singing along or just listening to old songs significantly \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC5267457\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improves cognition for Alzheimer patients\u003C\u002Fa>. As a result, they wander off less frequently, they can maintain their independence better, and their self-esteem rises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In June 2021, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nationalgeographic.com\u002Fscience\u002Farticle\u002Fhow-the-new-alzheimers-drug-worksand-why-the-fda-is-under-fire-for-approving-it\">FDA gave the green light\u003C\u002Fa> to the first drug since 2003 to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F6072980\u002Falzheimers-drug-approval-controversy\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Huge anticipation preceded\u003C\u002Fa> the ruling, and today it seems the drug could not live up to them: experts question the efficiency and the side-effects of the novel drug. At the time of writing this article, as many as three members of the particular FDA panel \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Ftime.com\u002F6072980\u002Falzheimers-drug-approval-controversy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">have resigned\u003C\u002Fa> over the controversy. But there’s a cumbersome need for an Alzheimer’s drug, and it will come inevitably – and hopefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Living with Alzheimer’s\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Digital assistants like \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mycarer.app\u002Fpages\u002Fjury\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon Alexa\u003C\u002Fa> can aid patients and their family members in disease management. The \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fvoicebot.ai\u002F2019\u002F05\u002F23\u002Falexa-skill-aimed-at-assisting-alzheimers-patients-launches-in-the-uk\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">My Carer Alexa service\u003C\u002Fa> allows users with early-stage dementia to set reminders for daily tasks, such as preparing meals or taking medicines, thus maintaining their independence and boosting their confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002FGettyImages-1168897253-768x512.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34933\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002FGettyImages-1168897253-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002FGettyImages-1168897253.jpeg 863w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption>Source: Getty Images\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There are other interesting technological support options patients can use, like \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7349047\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">socially assisting robots\u003C\u002Fa>. It might sound weird at first to put our loved ones in the “hands” of a robot, but they can provide a range of care and support to the elderly. There are \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.aal-europe.eu\u002F5-technologies-that-help-people-living-with-dementia\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">multiple technologies in use\u003C\u002Fa> for this purpose, from companion to monitoring and medication management. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Senior living communities are also reacting to the growing need to care for people with dementia. The first of its kind, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhogeweyk.dementiavillage.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hogeweyk Dementia Village\u003C\u002Fa>, inspired many \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dementiavillage.com\u002Fprojects\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">worldwide to build\u003C\u002Fa> residential areas focusing on possibilities instead of disabilities of their residents, shifting towards more personalised care. In June 2020, the first \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fvillagealzheimer.landes.fr\u002Fen\u002Fthe-establishment#le-projet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alzheimer’s Village opened in France\u003C\u002Fa>, welcoming 120 inhabitants with Alzheimer’s disease or related. Such villages, designed to increase the freedom and reduce the anxiety of their residents, help them remain active and retain their independence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Inside the French village for Alzheimer's patients\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fpg9sLKkTU2I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-group\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\u002F>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-fdc2622f-e808-496a-b252-4476c204f19a\">\u003Cstrong>Not forgetting the future\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp id=\"block-59533398-faf6-42f2-a6d8-c71d1509f13a\">Imagine how different the attitude and management of the condition might be when smart algorithms based on digital biomarkers could extrapolate a potential disease curve to the future – and clinicians could act on that way before it actually happens. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp id=\"block-82cf65b6-b57b-4425-87c6-1fbc37966c42\">Digital sensors and digital assistants will ensure that people suffering from the disease can maintain their independence much better than ever before; and, in the meantime, A.I. will \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalxpress.com\u002Fnews\u002F2021-04-artificial-intelligence-language-cancer-alzheimer.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">crack the language of cancer and Alzheimer’s.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp id=\"block-65626719-2fa7-44c3-b6d3-f8f3ee7c3b45\">This is all we do hope for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Bertalan Mesko, PhD, the Director of The Medical Futurist Institute, launched The Medical Futurist to help individuals, companies, and governments understand how digital health technologies bring healthcare into the 21st century.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">\u003Cem>“Digital health technologies empower patients to become proactive in their life; empower medical professionals to do their job being supported by advanced technologies, and companies and policymakers to make better decisions about their future.” – Dr. Bertalan Meskó\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To support this transformation, Dr. Meskó and The Medical Futurist team is working relentlessly analyzing the latest trends in digital health and bringing insights to the 800,000+ readers and followers of our publications, along these principles:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>The Medical Futurist is a place to learn, not a place for advertising\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>. The Medical Futurist team is working to bring you unlimited access to reliable, neutral information, that is free from the influence of vendors and companies.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: #e71d3299;\">\u003Cstrong>Unlike many others, we keep 99% of The Medical Futurist content open for all readers\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fspan>, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. We do this because we believe in information equality, where everyone deserves to read accurate news and thoughtful analysis.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For 2021, we commit to another year of high-impact reporting that helps people navigate the jungle of digital health and to see where it is heading. With no shareholders or billionaire owners, we set our own agenda and provide unbiased insights that are free from commercial and political influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":215,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>Gradual memory loss, cognitive decline, wandering off to unknown places, being unable to dress in the morning: to live with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease might be a heart-wrenching burden for both patients and their loved ones. As the global population ages, and the number of individuals suffering from these conditions rises, digital technologies must step forward and offer some solutions for early detection and disease management. That’s what we examined in detail here, so let’s see the intersections of digital health and Alzheimer’s disease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",24533,{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[219,220,221,31,32,222,223,37],6261,4879,504,489,512,[225,226,227,228,229,230,231,232,233,45,234,235,47,236,237,238,239,49,240,241,242,243,244,245,54,246],161,7245,965,204,7247,976,206,7249,1055,7251,1446,1447,271,275,594,839,304,6303,313,7241,139,7243,[248,249,58],947,950,[],[252,253,254,255,65,66,68,70,61,256,63],2017,2405,3471,3561,1723,[258,14,73,74,75,76,77,259,260,261,78,79,262,263,84,264,265,266,267,268,269,270,271,272,91,273,274,93,275,276,277,278,95,279,280,281,282,283,284,100,285,286,287,103],"post-24524","category-forecast","category-lifestyle-medicine","category-artificial-intelligence","category-personalized-medicine","category-robotics","tag-brain","tag-jurgen-gotz","tag-cognitive-health","tag-diagnosis","tag-sea-hero-quest","tag-biomarkers","tag-digital","tag-deutsche-telekom","tag-elderly-care","tag-harvard-health-letter","tag-alzheimers-disease","tag-dementia","tag-health","tag-healthcare","tag-elderly","tag-robots","tag-medical","tag-amazon-alexa","tag-medicine","tag-hogeweyk","tag-alzheimer","tag-janos-kollar","project_category-company","project_category-medical-professionals",{"id":216,"alt_text":289,"caption":27,"description":290,"media_type":105,"media_details":291,"post":139,"source_url":313},"digital health and Alzheimer's, tmf, brain, cognitive health","tmf, brain, cognitive health",{"width":107,"height":108,"file":292,"sizes":293,"image_meta":312},"2019\u002F08\u002F102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health.png",{"medium":294,"large":297,"thumbnail":300,"medium_large":303,"1536x1536":304,"2048x2048":307},{"file":295,"width":113,"height":114,"mime-type":115,"source_url":296},"102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-370x208.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002F102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-370x208.png",{"file":298,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":115,"source_url":299},"102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-768x432.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002F102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-768x432.png",{"file":301,"width":124,"height":124,"mime-type":115,"source_url":302},"102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-150x150.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002F102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-150x150.png",{"file":298,"width":119,"height":120,"mime-type":115,"source_url":299},{"file":305,"width":129,"height":130,"mime-type":115,"source_url":306},"102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-1536x864.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002F102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-1536x864.png",{"file":308,"width":309,"height":310,"mime-type":115,"source_url":311},"102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-2048x1152.png","2048","1152","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002F102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-2048x1152.png",{"aperture":133,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":133,"copyright":27,"focal_length":133,"iso":133,"shutter_speed":133,"title":27,"orientation":133},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F08\u002F102_Alzheimer-and-digital-health-scaled.png",{"related_posts":20,"related_posts_footer":315,"subtitle":27,"related_books":319,"cta_type":140,"cta_color":27},[316,317,318],21160,34305,34879,[142,143],{"yoast_wpseo_title":321,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":322,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":209},"Emerging Trends: Technology’s Response To Alzheimer’s Disease - The Medical Futurist","As the number of dementia patients rises, we looked around how technology could help. Here's the intersection of digital health and Alzheimer's disease.",{"self":324,"collection":329,"about":331,"author":333,"replies":335,"version-history":338,"predecessor-version":342,"wp:featuredmedia":346,"wp:attachment":349,"wp:term":352,"curies":363},[325],{"href":326,"targetHints":327},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F24524",{"allow":328},[153],[330],{"href":156},[332],{"href":159},[334],{"embeddable":26,"href":162},[336],{"embeddable":26,"href":337},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=24524",[339],{"count":340,"href":341},13,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F24524\u002Frevisions",[343],{"id":344,"href":345},36133,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F24524\u002Frevisions\u002F36133",[347],{"embeddable":26,"href":348},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F24533",[350],{"href":351},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=24524",[353,355,357,359,361],{"taxonomy":182,"embeddable":26,"href":354},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=24524",{"taxonomy":185,"embeddable":26,"href":356},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=24524",{"taxonomy":188,"embeddable":26,"href":358},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=24524",{"taxonomy":191,"embeddable":26,"href":360},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=24524",{"taxonomy":194,"embeddable":26,"href":362},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=24524",[364],{"name":198,"href":199,"templated":26},[],1788949193521]