Towards Early Intervention: Detecting Parkinson's Disease through Voice Analysis with Machine Learning

Introduction/ Background This study aims to utilize machine learning algorithms for early detection of Parkinson's Disease (PD) through voice recording analysis. Employing advanced machine learning techniques and a comprehensive dataset of voice samples, the objective is to develop a non-invasive, accurate, and reliable method for PD diagnosis, contributing to early intervention and management of the disease. Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder impacting millions globally. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment. This study leverages Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to analyze voice recordings, aiming to improve PD detection. Materials and Methods We utilized a dataset of 195 voice samples with 23 attributes, applying machine learning algorithms such as Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). The dataset was preprocessed, balanced, and evaluated using various performance metrics. Results The K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) model demonstrated superior performance, achieving high precision (0.96-1.00), recall (0.97-1.00), and F1-scores (0.98-0.99) for both PD and non-PD classes, demonstrating an overall accuracy of 0.98 across 59 samples. This showcases its effectiveness in PD detection via voice analysis. Discussion This research underscores the potential of ML in revolutionizing PD detection through non-invasive methods. By comparing various algorithms, the study not only identifies the most effective model but also contributes to the broader understanding of applying ML techniques in healthcare. Conclusion The study's findings advocate for the KNN model as a promising tool for early and accurate PD diagnosis through voice analysis. The success of this model opens avenues for future research, including the exploration of more advanced algorithms and the integration of these models into practical diagnostic applications.