Samsung's early detection for dementia may be its killer smartwatch feature in 2026
Early reports suggest that the tech giant will unveil the new health tracking feature as soon as CES next week.
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ZDNET key takeaways
- Samsung is rumored to unveil a brain health feature at CES.
- The feature could detect early signs of dementia.
- It will also provide recommendations for prevention.
Samsung's next health feature could address and aim to prevent a condition that impacts over 6 million Americans. At CES 2026, the tech giant is rumored to unveil a Brain Health feature, developed to detect early signs of dementia, according to rumors.
Details are sparse, but Sammobile reported that the feature will analyze various metrics to detect early signs of dementia. These include gait patterns, changes in a user's voice, and sleep status. Whether this will be through Samsung's smartphones, smartwatches, or smart rings is still unknown.
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Alongside detection, Samsung will also provide guidance and prevention instructions, which could include a brain training program to boost cognitive function, according to Sammobile. The company has completed in-house development of Brain Health and is now conducting clinical validation, according to ChoSun.
Samsung has leveraged its smartwatches and smart rings to introduce several innovative health-tracking features. With the launch of its Galaxy Watch 8 smartwatch, Samsung introduced a sensor on the bottom of the smartwatch that users press their thumb against to assess the antioxidants found in their skin.
Samsung's Antioxidant Index measures carotenoids found in green and orange fruits and vegetables, which Samsung says promote healthy aging.
Samsung's Galaxy Watch (right) would be one of the first mainstream wearables capable of tracking for signs of dementia.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Alongside the standard health-tracking features, such as blood pressure monitoring, ECG, and irregular heart rhythm tracking, which its competitors also include in their devices, Samsung unveiled features for bedtime guidance and race training through its latest smartwatch.
Researchers predict that over 42% of adults aged 55 and over will develop dementia.
Also: Your Samsung Galaxy Watch is getting several health-tracking upgrades
Samsung's brain health feature signals a shift from health trackers and devices that record and detect physical conditions to collecting data that can detect cognitive conditions. The question remains: Will biomarkers such as gait, sleep, and voice changes be enough to paint a picture of a user's overall cognition? We'll have to wait for Samsung's official announcement at CES and see for ourselves.
Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.