Smartphones to help spot signs of Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear

Smartphones will be able to spot Alzheimer’s disease up to 30 years before symptoms appear, scientists say.

The new digital test is reportedly 90 percent accurate, compared to 50 percent for current basic methods using pen and paper questions.

It uses virtual-reality headsets to examine recall of directions — the first skill hit by Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related ailments.

Experts say smartphones and gadgets such as Fitbits could perform similar checks within five years.

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