A Madrid hospital develops a radar to anticipate Parkinson's disease

The tool analyses subtle body movements that often go unnoticed in a conventional consultation. Through this technology, it is possible to detect motor alterations at very early stages, without the need for invasive tests or complex procedures.

The system works by emitting radiofrequency waves and analysing their echo, using the Doppler effect. It measures parameters such as stride length, foot speed, trunk movement and arm swing. These data make it possible to identify patterns associated with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.

The hospital’s Neurology team has already verified that the radar can distinguish between healthy people and diagnosed patients, with a level of accuracy comparable to that of other techniques. Its format also makes it easier to integrate into everyday contexts, without relying on complex clinical settings.

The study currently includes three groups: people at risk of developing the disease, diagnosed patients and healthy volunteers. The first results indicate that gait alterations increase progressively, reinforcing the system’s potential as an early-diagnosis tool.

In Spain, more than 200,000 people live with Parkinson’s disease, a figure that makes this advance particularly relevant to the healthcare system. Detecting the disease before it manifests can change how it is treated and improve patients’ quality of life.

This type of technology can facilitate faster and more accessible diagnoses, reducing the need for complex tests and improving care in the public system. The project will remain in the study phase, but it opens the door to incorporating similar tools in the city’s hospitals in the coming years.