Wearable Devices for Parkinson’s Disease: Technological Solution

About 10 million people worldwide suffer from one of the most severe chronic brain diseases, Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease tends to occur in older people and is less common in younger people. The causes of Parkinson’s disease involves:

• damage to deep nuclei in the basal ganglia of brain tissue;
• disruption of small anatomical structures.

They are usually considered as genetic and environmental factors. There is a lack of precise information on technology for Parkinson’s disease. This disease occurs due to a decrease in certain substances in the body that promote nerve cell transmission and loss. Also, the most important substance is “dopamine”. 

In this article, we will tell you about new technological solutions. Because they have significantly affected the situation with this disease. So keep reading on to find out new, useful information about wearable devices for Parkinson’s disease.

Understanding The Problem

There is still no therapy that can prevent the progression of the disease. Levodopa therapy has been the gold standard for treating Parkinson’s for over 50 years. Levodopa drugs allow patients to maintain motor activity for many years. However, their administration requires constant monitoring of the patient’s condition. For this purpose, doctors suggest that patients keep “self-monitoring diaries.” Patients fill them out every 30-60 minutes of wakefulness, where it is necessary to note:

• the time of taking the drug;
• the severity of movement disorders;
• the presence of deviations from the usual norm. 

Assistive devices for Parkinson’s disease can be very suitable here. Monitoring the implementation of the therapy regimen is useful. It allows for timely correction of the main clinical manifestations of the disease. However, monitoring the patient’s condition is often associated with several difficulties, including:

• the laboriousness of daily filling out the patient’s diary;
• the subjective nature of assessing their condition.

The significance of Parkinson’s devices that stop tremors lies in:

• its ability to offer real-time insights;
• its potential to enhance the precision and personalization of treatment plans. 

Understanding the problem allows wearable devices to give people with Parkinson’s disease information. They enable healthcare providers to make more informed decisions about treatment adjustments. These devices are usually equipped with sensors and advanced algorithms. You can wear them as watches, bracelets, or even clothing. They allow you to continuously and non-invasively monitor various symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. They can constantly monitor:

• movements;
• walk;
• tremors, and even vital signs. 

Wearable devices for Parkinson’s disease provide valuable data to both patients and healthcare professionals.

Perspective Technology for Parkinson’s Disease

In the realm of Parkinson’s disease management, embracing technology has brought hope. People got a sense of empowerment from individuals facing this complex condition. Picture this: wearable devices, like guardian angels, silently and diligently monitor your movements. They offer insights into the ebb and flow of your symptoms. They provide a window into your body’s inner workings. So, it helps healthcare providers tailor treatments that feel uniquely yours.

Consider the convenience of telemedicine and mobile applications. They allow you to engage with your healthcare team from the comfort of your home. No more arduous commutes to the clinic. Instead, a virtual visit that adapts to your schedule. Regarding innovative treatments, modern technology provides precision and personalization for Parkinson’s disease. They fine-tune the electrodes in your brain for optimal symptom relief.

Parkinson’s Device that Stops Tremors

Various devices and technologies are designed to support people in managing and reducing tremors. However, it’s essential to note that none can completely stop tremors. These devices aim to alleviate tremors and improve overall quality of life. Some examples include:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). While DBS is not a portable device, it is a surgical implant that can significantly reduce tremors in some people with Parkinson’s disease. It involves implanting electrodes in the brain and a pulse generator in the chest. It sends electrical impulses to specific brain areas to regulate abnormal activity.
• GyroGlove. The GyroGlove is a wearable device that uses gyroscopes to stabilize hand tremors. It is worn as a glove and provides counter-movements to dampen the effects of tremors.
• Liftware Steady. This is one more Parkinson’s device that stops tremors. It is a specialized device with built-in sensors and motors. It counteracts hand tremors, making it easier for people with Parkinson’s to eat independently.
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). FES devices like the Bioness L300 use electrical stimulation to reduce tremors. They improve walking in people with Parkinson’s.
• Vibrating Watches and Wearables. Some smartwatches or wearables have vibration functions. They can help counteract tremors and improve hand control for tasks like writing or using utensils.

These devices can provide significant relief, but their effectiveness may vary from person to person. Individuals with Parkinson’s need to consult with healthcare professionals. They have to determine which devices or therapies are most suitable for their specific needs.

Assistive Device for Parkinson’s Disease

There is a comprehensive information system for monitoring a patient’s condition. The patient can record their condition, take notes for the doctor, and more. Existing mobile apps have limited functionality. They are either:

• designed for physical workouts;
• allow the user to track only individual symptoms of the disease;
• designed to provide general information about Parkinson’s disease. 

The main disadvantage of all these applications is:

• the lack of communication with the attending physician;
• the need to perform certain physical manipulations to assess the symptoms of the disease. 

The hardware-software complex includes data collection modules, preprocessing, sending, and intelligent analysis. All these components in assistive device for Parkinson’s disease allow:

• the authentication of the owner of the device (phone, bracelet);
• the classification of his condition. 

Cell phone apps automatically determine the condition based on the phone’s built-in sensors. Data is captured from the mobile device in the background, without patient input, at one-second intervals. They track patient activity, tremors, dyskinesia, and other symptoms of the patient’s condition.

Also, we can consider a study published in the leading medical journal Frontiers in Neurology. It found that blood pressure (BP) monitoring using wearable Galaxy Watch devices can help. Parkinson’s patients can effectively manage orthostatic hypotension. Samsung Galaxy Watches wearable devices feature comprehensive sensors. We consider them a very successful assistive device for Parkinson’s disease. They monitor blood pressure by analyzing the pulse wave with heart rate monitoring sensors. Users can continuously monitor their BP and other vital signs in the Samsung Health Monitor app and share them in PDF format. The test was conducted on 56 patients with an average age of 66.9 years, with a reference sphygmomanometer on one arm and a Galaxy Watch3 on the other. Each patient’s BP was measured using both devices three times.

The test results showed comparable blood pressure data from the Galaxy Watch and the sphygmomanometer. The mean and standard deviation were 0.4 ± 4.6 mmHg for systolic BP (CAD) and 1.1 ± 4.5 mmHg for diastolic BP (DBP). The correlation coefficient (r) between devices was 0.967 for CAD and 0.916 for DA. The closer the correlation coefficient is to 1, the higher the correlation of results between the two devices.

Conclusion

Wearable devices for Parkinson’s disease are revolutionizing Parkinson’s care. Lone Star Neurology provides expert, compassionate services to navigate this landscape. Together, we’re enhancing lives and empowering individuals in the battle against Parkinson’s. A future of improved care and renewed hope awaits.

FAQ

What are the most effective wearable devices for Parkinson’s disease?

These devices include GyroGlove, Liftware Steady utensils, and smartwatches with vibration functions.

How do wearable devices stop tremors in Parkinson’s patients?

Wearable devices don’t stop tremors but can help manage and reduce their impact. GyroGloves and other stabilization devices provide counter-movements while vibrating wearables aid in hand control for specific tasks.

Can assistive devices completely cure Parkinson’s disease?

Assistive devices can significantly improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s but cannot completely cure the disease.

Are there any smartphone apps specifically designed to assist Parkinson’s patients?

Yes, several smartphone apps cater to Parkinson’s patients. These apps help with symptom tracking, medication reminders, speech therapy exercises, and physical therapy routines.