New tech helps prevent PwPs from falling

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Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

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REMPARK, a three-year EU-funded development, is an integrated ‘wearable’ health system based on intelligent sensors worn around the wrist and waist to detect the wearer’s motor status in real time. The symptoms of Parkinson’s, which can include freezing of gait (a sudden inability to move) and dyskinesia (involuntary and uncontrolled movement), can lead to an increased risk of falls.

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Marjoram tea may reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s disease

Researchers in Tunisia have found that drinking marjoram tea daily may help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As part of a small study, the team recruited 60 people with Parkinson’s who used antiparkinsonian medication. Half of the group were assigned to drink marjoram tea and the other half a placebo tea, every night for 30 days. During the study period, participants maintained their usual diet, physical activity and medication. The researchers used the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Beck Depression Inventory and Non-motor Symptoms Scale to assess changes in the participants’ motor and non-motor symptoms, and depression. The results showed that marjoram tea may significantly reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s, while improvement of motor symptoms “may need an extended treatment period”. The study’s authors added: “More research with a large number of participants and lasting longer than one month is needed to argue these findings”.

Virtual reality: exercise therapy for Parkinson’s disease?

US researchers are developing immersive virtual reality (VR) games as exercise therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease. Designed by a team at Virginia Commonwealth University, the games aim to address motor symptoms and encourage movement. “The idea is to have something where you’re motivated and engaged, and you can put this headset on and work out anytime,” said research lead Professor James S Thomas. The team invited people with Parkinson’s to test the technology at a showcasing event. Wearing a VR headset, participants used handheld controllers to play games that called for swatting and scooping motions at different speeds. One participant reported: “I can definitely see the value in these games.” The researchers hope to create a lower-cost version of the VR system that can be used independently. “We’re trying to get you to move your body in a way that will help you maintain your quality of life,” said…

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New tech helps prevent PwPs from falling

News

Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Europe

Denmark walks for Parkinson’s

Perspectives

10 top tips for travelling with Parkinson’s

Interviews

Portraits of young onset Parkinson’s

Survey highlights seven walking strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Marjoram tea may reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s disease

Virtual reality: exercise therapy for Parkinson’s disease?

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New tech helps prevent PwPs from falling

News

Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Europe

Denmark walks for Parkinson’s

Perspectives

10 top tips for travelling with Parkinson’s

Interviews

Portraits of young onset Parkinson’s

Survey highlights seven walking strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Marjoram tea may reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s disease

Virtual reality: exercise therapy for Parkinson’s disease?

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