Technology and Health

How Technology Redefines Parkinson’s Care and Empowers Patients

Assistive technologies' caring and healing touch can revolutionize the Parkinson’s patient experience.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with coordination and balance. There are numerous challenges and opportunities that technology can fill the gap.

For example, as pointed out in this review paper, currently, Parkinson’s disease lacks established and dependable markers for diagnosis or progression tracking, relying instead on clinical observations for definition. The paper focuses on technology-based objective measures (TOMs).

“Traditionally, clinical scales and traditional patient-reported outcomes are employed for assessment in clinical practice and PD-related research. Nevertheless, TOMs can improve the accuracy, sensitivity, reproducibility, and practicality of capturing a broad spectrum of changes in motor and non-motor behaviors linked to PD.”

As pointed out in the review, “technology-based objective measures can tackle challenges like assessing fluctuating events, capturing rare incidents like falls or freezing of gait, and evaluating behaviors that unfold over extended periods outside clinical settings, such as everyday physical activities.”

Researchers have noted that, despite numerous ongoing efforts in industry and academic settings, identifying initiatives with the potential for scalability and determining effective deployment strategies remains a significant challenge.

Challenges include “non-compatible technology platforms, the need for wide-scale and long-term deployment of sensor technology, and the gap between the big data acquired with sensitive measurement technologies and their limited clinical application.”

I wrote this article because the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has doubled in the past 25 years, as informed by WHO. According to the CDC, “Approximately 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD, but given that many individuals go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed, the actual number is likely much higher. Some experts estimate that as many as 1 million Americans have PD.”

Digital therapeutics and virtual reality therapies are my technological research areas, as I am passionate about creating awareness and contributing to the body of knowledge. These platforms and tools can economically revolutionize the struggling healthcare industry and lower suffering.

Regrettably, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Nonetheless, early detection and treatment can effectively manage symptoms, enhancing patients’ overall quality of life. This is where technology comes into play, and it’s why I aim to raise awareness in this post under four sections.

Part I: Using Technology for Parkinson’s Detection

Technology plays a crucial role in detecting and managing Parkinson’s disease, offering potential benefits for prevention and treatment. However, it also poses challenges. Awareness needs to be raised among patients, practitioners, and researchers interested in exploring the advantages of emerging technological tools.

Wearable devices, such as smartwatches with fitness trackers, can aid in Parkinson’s detection by monitoring movement and related symptoms.

For instance, they can identify changes in gait, tremors, and other movement abnormalities associated with the disease. These devices provide continuous and objective data, enabling the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management of Parkinson’s progression.

These technological tools, including smartphone apps, can assess fine motor skills, reaction times, and other indicators of Parkinson’s disease. For example, the Parkinson’s Voice Initiative uses voice recordings to detect changes in speech patterns that might indicate Parkinson’s disease.

They offer real-time feedback to patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers, presenting a promising avenue for early intervention and improved disease management.

Part II: Technology in Treating Parkinson’s Disease

Research suggests that technology can be helpful in treating Parkinson’s disease across various avenues. One notable method is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a topic I previously introduced in an article titled Neurostimulation: Stimulate Your Brain with 10 Tech Tools to Improve Your Mental Health.

DBS involves delivering electrical signals to specific brain areas, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and improving conditions for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.

Accurate targeting is ensured through the use of MRI or CT scans. DBS is commonly applied to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s, dystonia, and essential tremor.

Advancements are underway to enhance the precision of DBS procedures. Emerging robotic technologies assist surgeons in electrode placement, reducing complications, and improving patient outcomes.

Furthermore, technology contributes to developing novel Parkinson’s treatments. Virtual reality systems, for instance, simulate movement and offer patient feedback.

Engaging in well-designed virtual environments has shown promise in improving motor function for Parkinson’s patients. Ongoing research explores the potential of virtual reality, digital therapeutics, and other emerging technologies in creating innovative treatments and therapies.

Technology also aids Parkinson’s treatment through telemedicine, which is particularly beneficial for remote patient care. Patients in rural areas or with travel difficulties can connect with healthcare professionals through video conferencing and digital tools. This enables more convenient and frequent monitoring of symptoms and treatment progress.

Part III: Leveraging Technology for Parkinson’s Prevention

There are no guaranteed methods for preventing Parkinson’s disease, but technology is a valuable tool in empowering people to make informed lifestyle choices and cultivate habits that may contribute to reducing their risk of developing the disease.

Technology emerges as a valuable ally in promoting health-conscious practices for Parkinson’s disease prevention. Smartphone apps, for example, offer a convenient means to track and monitor essential lifestyle elements. They can assess dietary choices, physical activity levels, sleep patterns, and stress profiles, providing users valuable insights into their overall well-being.

Moreover, these apps often incorporate features that encourage and guide people in making healthier choices. For instance, they may provide personalized recommendations for balanced nutrition, suggest exercise routines, and offer stress-reducing techniques. The real-time tracking capabilities empower users to stay mindful of their habits and make informed decisions regarding their health.

The integration of technology in preventive measures extends beyond personal lifestyle monitoring. Online platforms and communities centered around Parkinson’s prevention can offer support, share evidence-based practices, and foster a sense of community. This collaborative approach, facilitated by technology, enhances awareness and encourages people to adopt sustainable preventive strategies.

In my perspective, while preventing Parkinson’s disease remains a holistic health challenge without established methods, lifestyle factors like maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in regular exercise, ensuring restorative sleep, and practicing systematic stress management have been highlighted in the literature as potential contributors to reducing the risk.

Part IV: The Role of Sensors in Parkinson’s Disease

Body-worn sensors designed for Parkinson’s disease are wearable devices specifically crafted to monitor critical symptoms of the condition, including tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

The significance of these sensors lies in their ability to furnish valuable insights into the symptoms and progression of Parkinson’s disease, thereby aiding in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing disease management.

These sensors offer an objective and continuous stream of data related to a patient’s symptoms, serving as a crucial resource for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and effectively managing Parkinson’s disease. What sets them apart is their capacity to amalgamate information from multiple sensors, enabling a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s movement patterns and postural stability.

Notably, body-worn sensors are gaining prominence among experts due to their ability to monitor the signs and symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s, facilitating a more nuanced understanding of disease progression.

I’d like to give specific examples of body-worn sensors designed for Parkinson’s disease, shedding light on their functionalities and potential impact on patient care.

1 — Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG) sensors have emerged as a crucial tool for investigating muscle function, offering indispensable insights for both clinical and research purposes.

Functionally, EMG sensors measure the electrical activity of muscles, providing valuable data that holds significance for Parkinson’s patients. Specifically, EMG sensors excel in detecting manifestations such as muscle rigidity and bradykinesia in patients affected by Parkinson’s disease.

These sensors are commonly affixed to the skin, precisely overlaying the targeted muscle, or in some cases, they may be directly inserted into the tissue.

This strategic placement allows for the accurate capture of electrical signals, facilitating a nuanced understanding of muscle activity and aiding clinicians and researchers in comprehending and addressing the intricacies of Parkinson’s symptoms.

2 — Force Sensors

Force sensors are pivotal in assessing muscle strength and motor function in Parkinson’s patients. These sensors can be seamlessly integrated into handgrips or pedals, designed to measure force and pressure, offering a convenient and non-invasive method for evaluating muscle strength and function.

The primary function of force sensors is to gauge the force and pressure exerted by the body on various surfaces. This capability enables them to detect subtle changes in gait and balance, two common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Integrating force sensors into everyday objects provides a practical means of objectively measuring muscle strength. Clinicians and researchers can leverage force sensors to obtain precise and objective muscle strength measurements, allowing for continuous monitoring of changes in motor function over time.

Additionally, these sensors contribute to evaluating intervention effectiveness, providing valuable insights that can inform tailored treatment plans for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

3 — Accelerometers

The utility of accelerometer-based systems extends beyond mere symptom tracking. These systems enable remote monitoring of patients, offering clinicians real-time insights into patient activity levels and medication adherence without the need for in-person visits.

This innovative approach to remote monitoring holds great promise in optimizing treatment plans and enhancing patient outcomes by providing clinicians with timely and relevant information for personalized care strategies.

Accelerometers, designed to measure the body’s acceleration and movement, are valuable tools for monitoring Parkinson’s disease symptoms, notably tremors and bradykinesia. These versatile sensors can be conveniently worn on different body parts, including the wrist, ankle, and waist.

4 — Gyroscopes

Gyroscopes, designed to measure angular velocity, orientation, and spatial movement of the body, emerge as crucial instruments for detecting symptoms like changes in posture and balance associated with several conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. These sensors, wearable on the feet or waist, are pivotal in capturing vital information for assessing and managing the disease.

Beyond symptom detection, gyroscopes contribute to measuring the efficacy of interventions that enhance postural stability, like physical therapy or medication.

Integration with other wearable devices enables continuous monitoring of movement patterns and postural stability over time, providing a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s condition.

The data collected by gyroscopes becomes a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers. Through analysis, it can facilitate identifying changes in movement patterns and postural stability over time, offering crucial insights for evaluating disease progression and the effectiveness of implemented interventions.

5 — Inertial Measurement Units

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) stand at the forefront of Parkinson’s monitoring, seamlessly amalgamating data from accelerometers and gyroscopes to comprehensively understand the body’s movement and orientation. Positioned on various body parts such as the wrist, ankle, and waist, IMUs provide an encompassing perspective for clinicians and researchers.

These sensor systems, capable of measuring acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic field strength, find significant application in monitoring movement and gait abnormalities in Parkinson’s patients.

Using the collective power of accelerometers and gyroscopes, IMUs offer valuable information concerning balance and postural stability, crucial factors in preventing falls.

Recognizing the potential repercussions of changes in gait and movement patterns, IMUs are pivotal in managing Parkinson’s disease.

Monitoring these parameters becomes integral in addressing the risk of falls and other mobility issues, making IMUs a cornerstone in the comprehensive care and understanding of this complex neurological condition.

6 — Smartwatches and Fitness Devices

Last but not least, smartwatches and fitness devices emerged as cost-effective tools for patient monitoring, offering valuable insights into movement, speed, and various physiological parameters to optimize treatment plans and enhance patient outcomes.

Notably, smartwatches and advanced fitness devices equipped with built-in sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes (I covered above) prove instrumental in monitoring Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Beyond movement-related metrics, smartwatches can track additional physiological parameters such as heart rate, variability, sleep patterns, and stress profiles.

Given the everyday occurrences of sleep disturbances and changes in heart rate and heart rate variability among Parkinson’s patients, continuous monitoring of these parameters becomes a valuable asset.

The data collected by smartwatches and fitness devices provides crucial information for optimizing treatment plans and contributes to improving overall patient outcomes.

Additionally, these devices offer features like medication reminders and fall detection, serving as preventative measures and further enhancing the multifaceted role of smartwatches in comprehensive Parkinson’s care.

Concluding Insights and Key Takeaways

For Parkinson’s disease, technology emerges as a promising ally, offering avenues for detection, prevention, and treatment. Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of technology-driven objective measures for assessing Parkinsonian impairments.

This influx, encompassing sensors, mobile communications, cloud computing, advanced analytics, and the Internet of Things connecting electronic devices wirelessly, holds the potential to transform the diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic dimensions of Parkinson’s disease.

Despite being in its early stages, the potential benefits are evident and compelling. Wearable devices, smartphone apps, and digital tools stand out as versatile solutions that actively monitor symptoms, promote healthy habits, and enable remote care.

Moreover, integrating surgical robots, telemedicine, and virtual reality systems promises to enhance precision, accuracy, and treatment convenience, potentially paving the way for innovative therapies.

The surge of interest in new technologies within literature and health communities reflects a collective commitment to advancing patient care.

The hybrid work and patient care model, marked by real-time engagement through patient participation or sensor-enabled monitoring, reshapes the landscape of Parkinson’s management.

As we enter the intersection of technology and Parkinson’s disease, the key takeaway is to familiarize ourselves with the available tools — wearable devices, mobile apps, assistive technologies, voice-activated assistants, and telemedicine.

As patients, caregivers, service providers, and technologists, by embracing, understanding, and using these technologies, we collectively forge a path toward improved Parkinson’s management and a brighter future for those affected by this challenging condition.

I keep hearing and reading good news about the contributions of technology to Parkin’s disease patients. For example, I recently read an inspiring story by Antonio Segovia, MD. titled Revolutionary Implant Revives Movement in Parkinson’s Patients.

The story informs that “a highly experimental implant that delivers electrical stimulation to the spinal cord has substantially improved mobility for one man with advanced Parkinson’s disease, according to a report published in Nature Medicine.​”

For holistic care, exploring therapeutic tools that stimulate the brain and nervous system, offering potential benefits for mental health, cognitive function, and chronic pain reduction is necessary. Seeking timely professional support becomes paramount, empowering patients and caregivers.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. My topics include brain and cognitive function, significant health conditions, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, and humor. 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years

I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness. Be Your Own Therapist in 10 Steps.

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