Check PD: New Parkinson's Screening App with 90% Accuracy—Download Now!

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and Director of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, said that the Check PD application is an innovation that uses digital technology, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to help diagnose Parkinson's disease symptoms. Early detection is crucial for proper treatment planning and care, in line with King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital's strategy to create healthcare innovations, develop modern, accessible services, and improve the people's quality of life. The app represents successful collaboration between sectors, demonstrating commitment to implementing new technologies and innovations in healthcare. It helps those at risk of Parkinson's plan appropriate healthcare, prevention, and treatment.

Prof. Dr. Roongroj Bhidayasiri, Director of the Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease & Related Disorders (ChulaPD), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, revealed that Parkinson's disease doesn't show immediate symptoms but develops gradually over 10-20 years on average. The most recognizable sign is tremors. However, early warning signs like chronic constipation, sleepwalking, and acting out dreams during sleep, etc., are often seen as normal, leading to delayed medical attention. While the elderly are the primary risk group, those over 40 are also at risk. Statistics show that Parkinson's is inclined to affect increasingly younger patients, and, given the disease's long progression period, early risk screening is essential for prevention and treatment to minimize severe symptoms.

Chula PD and the Thai Red Cross Society have developed the CHECK PD application, using digital technology, big data analytics, and AI to diagnose Parkinson's symptoms. The application aims to help those at risk appropriately plan their healthcare, prevention, and treatment in order to achieve good and sustainable quality of life. The application allows for self-screening of Parkinson's risk for those over 40 years old, using a 25-minute evaluation consisting of 20 questions. The evaluation includes questions as well as tests on finger movements, tremors, balance, and voice. It then responds with immediate results with 90% accuracy.