Now smartphones can diagnose Parkinson's by recording a person's voice and movements

Experts at Aston University said the 'pocket doctor' makes it possible to use voice recordings to spot the disease with 99 per cent accuracy Telltale signs include soft, breathy speech and a tremor to the voice The idea was unveiled at the British Science Festival in Birmingham Scientists said a person only has to walk for 20 paces with the phone in their pocket to get 'very high accuracy' in diagnosis

By Fiona Macrae for the Daily Mail

Published: 11:10 EST, 8 September 2014 | Updated: 11:12 EST, 8 September 2014

Smartphones are being turned into pocket doctors capable of spotting Parkinsons disease.

The popular devices come equipped with technology needed to record speech and movement both of which are eroded by the condition, Britains biggest science conference heard.

The information can then be analysed and, it is hoped, used to diagnose the disease earlier and more accurately. More prompt treatment should improve quality of life.

A patients symptoms could also be tracked over time, revolutionising treatment by allowing doctors to adjust drug dosage as needed.

A new smartphone app can help diagnose Parkinson's disease - suffered by Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox (pictured) - by recording speech and movement, both of which are eroded by the condition

More studies are needed but British researchers have already shown they distinguish Parkinsons patients from healthy people with almost 100 per cent accuracy and they are in negotiation about using the technology on the NHS.

Some 127,000 Britons suffer from Parkinsons but with diagnosis based on symptoms, it is often not confirmed until relatively late.

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Now smartphones can diagnose Parkinson's by recording a person's voice and movements