After smartwatches and fitness bands, a new wearable device claiming to monitor brain health is in discussion. It is called TEMPLE and has been developed by Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal. The device, worn near the forehead, has been priced at Rs 85,000. The company claims it can track signals linked to blood flow in the brain and biological stress on the body. However, medical experts have raised questions over its scientific basis and accuracy.
What is TEMPLE and how does it work?
The small device is placed on the temple area of the forehead. It has optical sensors that use light to try to detect changes related to blood flow and oxygen beneath the skin. Its Brainflow feature claims to provide information related to blood circulation in the brain. It also has an entropy score, designed to show signals linked to stress, sleep, exercise and other effects on the body.
Doctors raise questions over scientific evidence
Experts say it is not appropriate to treat signals obtained by placing sensors on the temple as an accurate measure of blood flow across the entire brain. Skin and superficial blood vessels of the head in this area may also influence the readings. Several experts, including neurologist Dr Rahul Chawla, have questioned the device’s functioning, clinical trials and the availability of independent scientific evidence.
Can it detect disease?
For now, TEMPLE has been presented as a wellness and research device rather than a medical diagnostic tool. It is not a certified option for diagnosing Alzheimer’s, dementia or other neurological diseases. For brain examinations, doctors use established technologies such as EEG, MRI, CT angiography and transcranial Doppler as required.
Deepinder Goyal has also clarified that it is not a medical device, but a fitness and wellness product. According to the company, its scientific studies and further trials are under way.
Experts advise that it is not appropriate to panic by treating any wearable device’s score as a sign of disease, or to start treatment on that basis. The real health of the brain should be assessed only through medical examination and scientifically validated methods.
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