Apple has taken a step forward in its commitment to healthcare by releasing an update to watchOS 9.6.1, aimed specifically at addressing the needs of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. While updates for Apple Watch are regular, this one stands out by ensuring the efficient tracking of tremors and dyskinesia symptoms.

The new update enables continuous tracking of symptoms for Parkinson’s patients

The importance of this update lies in its impact on medical treatment. H20 Therapeutics’ app, Parky, which leverages Apple’s Movement Disorder API, had been hindered by an issue that prevented access to motion data. The new update fixes this issue, allowing the app to capture changes in the symptoms of Parkinson’s patients, matching the expectations of clinicians 94% of the time.

This not only highlights Apple’s role in health and wellness but also stresses the significance of technology in aiding medical professionals in their diagnosis and treatment plans. Before the fix, the inability to access the Movement Disorder API resulted in a gap in vital information for doctors. This update now ensures continuous tracking, with Parky capturing 288 data points daily, assuming continuous wear of the watch.

The introduction of a color-based UI using green to indicate fewer symptoms further simplifies understanding for patients and caregivers. This update is not just about enhancing functionality; it’s a reflection of Apple’s conscious effort to contribute to healthcare and wellness. An update procedure that only requires the watch to be charged to 50% and within Wi-Fi range ensures that this improvement is easily accessible to all eligible Apple Watch users.

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