Five of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

From tailored exercise plans, to a keyboard designed for people experiencing hand tremors – we reshare a few of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s to support those who are social distancing during coronavirus

1. 9zest (IOS & Android)

This app offers people with Parkinson’s an easy and affordable way to treat their symptoms through holistic exercise plans. Users set personal goals based on the symptoms they want to reduce and the programme designs a routine tailored to them.

Progress is tracked every month, and the exercises – which help everything from dexterity to speech difficulties – can be completed at any time in any place.

Price: Free

9zest image 3 - 360:640

2. CogniFit (IOS & Android)

This brain training app allows users to evaluate and improve their cognitive functions through games, puzzles, tests and brain teasers. The app exercises target areas such as memory, attention span, coordination and planning – and offers a specific programme for people with Parkinson’s.

Price: Free

cognifit image one

3. Steady Type Keyboard (IOS)

This new on-screen keyboard is especially designed for people experiencing hand tremors. The keyboard helps users who have difficulty typing and even suggests words that require less key strokes. The app works with all IOS applications – including messages, emails and web browsing.

Price: US $1.99 / £1.99

keyboard image 2 360:640

4. StudyMyTremor (IOS)

StudyMyTremor lets users record, analyse and track their hand tremors through their iPhone. Equipped with a three-dimensional sensor, the phone measures the frequency, power and amplitude of the tremor. Results are recorded and charted over time – making it easier for users to evaluate the development of the Parkinson’s symptom.

Price: US $3.99 / £3.99

study my tremor image 1

5. Parkinson’s Social Network (IOS)

This social network designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s offers users a place to seek friendship and emotional support from likeminded people. Users can swap tips on how to manage the condition, post updates about their daily progress and share pictures with other members.

Price: Free

For more information on Parkinson’s and assessment tools please visit the EPDA website.

The women blazing the trail in Parkinson’s tech and innovation

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Resources & Tools

PD Warrior INSIGHT Summit Into Parkinson’s 2018: virtual conference

Raising funds for the Shake It Up Foundation who strive for a cure

Indian Ocean Row 2018: the story so far

An update on the four men rowing 3,600 miles for Parkinson’s

Eight must-read books about Parkinson’s

Books for people with Parkinson’s, by people with Parkinson’s

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, US, have found that people with early Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairments if they are overweight, have disruptive sleep behaviours or experience symptoms of depression. Evaluating data from 405 people, the researchers used statistical analysis to identify relationships between certain characteristics and changes in patient cognition over time. Their findings suggest that factors such as high body mass index (BMI) or excessive sleepiness are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease. The researchers wrote: “Despite its common and devastating occurrence, treatment of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] is limited and no medications slow its onset or progression. However, identification of treatable or modifiable comorbidities that affect the rate of progression of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] could provide opportunities for early intervention and improved prognosis.”

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, US, are investigating how equine-assisted therapy – which involves working with horses to promote wellbeing – can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. As part of the five-month study, funded by the non-profit Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 30 men with Parkinson’s disease will be randomly assigned to participate in equine-assisted therapy or simulated horseback riding. The participants’ motor performance, balance, gait and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease will be assessed before, during and after the therapy. Rhett Rigby, principal investigator of the study, said: “There is currently no known study that utilises equine-assisted therapy as an intervention treatment for those with Parkinson’s disease. Our research could have a significant impact on an understudied population and help contribute to the existing literature on human-animal interaction.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Five of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Resources & Tools

PD Warrior INSIGHT Summit Into Parkinson’s 2018: virtual conference

Global update

Indian Ocean Row 2018: the story so far

Global update

Eight must-read books about Parkinson’s

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Five of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Resources & Tools

PD Warrior INSIGHT Summit Into Parkinson’s 2018: virtual conference

Global update

Indian Ocean Row 2018: the story so far

Global update

Eight must-read books about Parkinson’s

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in