{
  "id": 15835929,
  "title": "A wearable pilot in Abu Dhabi looks for Multiple Sclerosis before symptoms are obvious",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/a-wearable-pilot-in-abu-dhabi-looks-for-multiple-sclerosis-before",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-21T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/a-wearable-pilot-in-abu-dhabi-looks-for-multiple-sclerosis-before-symptoms-are-obvious-1.500717390"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An Abu Dhabi-based wearable technology developed at Khalifa University may aid doctors in detecting early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients, according to Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis, Assistant Professor at the university. The device, aimed at healthcare professionals, would monitor changes in a person's movement and balance over time, providing a clearer picture of how symptoms evolve between medical appointments.\n\nPitsalidis' motivation for the project stems from personal experience, as he has a close relative living with MS. He explains that the device would help users track rehabilitation progress, identify difficulties with exercises, and personalize therapy based on the data collected. By monitoring people with MS, the technology could also support rehabilitation at home, making follow-up more convenient and aiding individuals in maintaining mobility and independence.\n\nYasmin Mitwally, Research and Advocacy Manager at The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), highlights the significance of tracking minor changes in a person's gait. Early detection of these changes can be translated to a patient's doctor, enabling them to adjust or enhance the treatment plan accordingly. For NMSS, the project aligns with their broader effort to build understanding of MS in the UAE. Local research is crucial because data from other populations may not fully represent the experiences of individuals living with MS in the UAE.\n\nThe Khalifa University team is focused on assessing movement by developing a flexible wearable device that integrates movement sensors with artificial intelligence. This sensor aims to detect subtle changes in gait and balance that may signal worsening symptoms. However, the accuracy and impact on patient care remain to be established. In the long term, Pitsalidis envisions affordable, personalized movement monitoring becoming a part of everyday life, supporting rehabilitation, and allowing clinicians to track progress remotely. The technology's development at Khalifa University could lead to practical solutions benefiting the UAE community.",
  "summary": "Abu Dhabi: A wearable device being developed at Khalifa University could help doctors spot changes in the way people with multiple sclerosis walk or keep their balance, Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis, Assistant Professor at Khalifa University spoke at Future Health Summit, held at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis, Assistant Professor at Khalifa University “Our aim is to give healthcare…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}