Samsung's Galaxy Watch and Ring will soon be able to detect early indications of dementia.

      Samsung's newest wearable software won't be able to diagnose dementia but may help detect early cognitive changes, providing you and your physician with a significant advantage in monitoring brain health.

      At CES 2026, Praveen Raja, Samsung’s Vice President and Head of Digital Health, announced that the company is developing a new suite of AI-driven tools aimed at monitoring cognitive function and spotting early signs of dementia (as mentioned in an official newsroom post).

      This feature is expected to be accessible on newer models of the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring in the near future. It will analyze users’ daily activities, including changes in speech patterns (like interactions with the on-device AI assistant), movements, walking rhythm, and even the way they utilize smart devices at home.

      Essentially, the smartwatch and smart ring (utilizing their various sensors) should be capable of detecting subtle shifts in how users communicate, move, and engage with their surrounding smart devices over time, thereby identifying early indications of cognitive decline. However, Samsung stresses that it will not serve as a medical diagnostic tool upon release.

      Instead, it will notify users and their families of potential signs of cognitive decline, encouraging them to seek advice from a healthcare professional for further support. The technology relies significantly on artificial intelligence: it collects and processes data from numerous sensors on health-monitoring devices, processes the information on the devices by comparing real-time data to baseline metrics, and alerts users of any inconsistencies.

      This cognitive monitoring feature signifies a significant transformation in how consumer wearables assist users in tracking their mental health alongside physical health. Up until now, smartwatches have mainly focused on physical metrics such as steps, calorie count, and heart rate. Samsung’s cognitive monitoring feature aims to change this focus.

      Dementia impacts millions of individuals globally, and earlier detection could greatly aid in alleviating symptoms or implementing preventive measures promptly to either slow the condition's progression or enhance quality of life through timely medication and lifestyle adjustments. While clinical validation and medical integration remain uncertain at this stage, the feature shows great promise.

      Although Samsung has not confirmed a release date for the cognitive monitoring function, a beta version should be available for testing in select markets worldwide. If successful, this feature could subtly redefine expectations for health-tracking wearables, transforming them from fitness monitors into an early warning system for cognitive health.

      Recently, a Samsung Health update introduced more advanced snoring detection capabilities to Galaxy Watches.