Five of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 25 October 2018

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From creating personalised exercise plans, to a social network just for people living with Parkinson’s, here are some of our favourite apps on the market right now

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

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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

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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

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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.

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The European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) has signed the Dying to Work Charter – a pledge protecting the workplace rights of people with serious conditions. The charter – part of the Trade Union Congress’ wider Dying to Work campaign – has so far protected over half a million workers in the UK. The Dying to Work campaign group, chaired by MEP Rory Palmer, is calling on the European Union to amend its current legislation. The campaign is asking for serious conditions to be identified as a ‘protected characteristic’ – meaning employees would enjoy a protected period after diagnosis which would ensure the couldn’t be unfairly dismissed. Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA, said: “At the EPDA, we are committed to improving employment conditions, reducing stigma and ensuring accessibility to essential services for all people with Parkinson’s disease.” Image: Rory Palmer MEP (left) and Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA…

New wearable device could counteract gait

Scientists at the National University of Ireland Galway have created a wearable device that they believe will help people with Parkinson’s to walk more easily. The device, named cueStim, is worn around the waist and delivers fixed rhythmic sensory stimulation to the wearer. This will counteract ‘freezing of gait’ symptoms that are often experienced by people living with the condition. The scientists collaborated with professionals from UK medical board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to test the device, and found that it significantly reduced the time taken for a person with Parkinson’s to complete walking tasks. Gearóid Ó Laighin, professor of electrical engineering at NUI Galway, said: “We are now seeking additional clinical partners to work with NUI Galway in carrying out a comprehensive long-term clinical evaluation of cueStim in enhancing the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a funded programme of research.”

Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, are testing new treatments for Parkinson’s disease on robots. Academics at the university – who are collaborating with the International Institute for Neurosciences of Natal, Brazil – will use computer models of the human brain to simulate the effect medication has on people living with Parkinson’s. The study – which is the first of its kind – could lead to a major shift in the way that Parkinson’s treatments are tested in the future, and potentially put an end to animal testing. Dr Patricia A Vargas, the lead collaborator of the study said: “Our hope is two-fold – to reduce and replace animals in research, and to help and inform new therapies, treatments and even the cure for this debilitating disease.”

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Five of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 25 October 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Interviews

How I got Damien Hirst to make art for Parkinson’s

Global update

Rev Jesse Jackson vows to “use his voice to find a cure” for Parkinson’s

Recipes & Nutrition

Vegetarian ‘Beet Wellington’ with mushrooms, aubergines and garlic

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

New wearable device could counteract gait

Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

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Five of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s

Resources & Tools

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 25 October 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Interviews

How I got Damien Hirst to make art for Parkinson’s

Global update

Rev Jesse Jackson vows to “use his voice to find a cure” for Parkinson’s

Recipes & Nutrition

Vegetarian ‘Beet Wellington’ with mushrooms, aubergines and garlic

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

New wearable device could counteract gait

Could robots replace animals in Parkinson’s medical trials?

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