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Can our smart speakers help detect dementia or Alzheimer’s?

The number of households with some kind of digital voice assistant, like Amazon's Alexa, continues to grow. And debate continues over how they’re used and the potential privacy concerns they pose.

But these devices may also be able to play a role in our medical care, including tracking signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Jason Karlawish is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-director of the Penn Memory Center.

The Show spoke with him to learn how smart devices may detect cognitive decline.

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Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.