Smartphone test predicts development of Parkinson’s symptoms, study says

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Researchers have created a smartphone test that may be able to predict the development of Parkinson’s symptoms.

The study – carried out by researchers from the University of Oxford and funded by the Monument Trust Discovery Award from charity Parkinson’s UK – used the test to assess voice, balance, walking and reaction time in people living with Parkinson’s.

The results indicated that the test may be able to predict development of Parkinson’s symptoms up to 18 months before they occur. Researchers hope this will allow healthcare professionals to tailor a more personalised approach to the treatment of Parkinson’s.

Christine Lo, clinical research fellow at the University of Oxford’s Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, said: “The main driver for this study was to improve clinical care by finding better ways of predicting how Parkinson’s is likely to progress over time on an individual basis, as its course can vary greatly from person to person.”

To read more on this topic click here.

Five of our favourite apps for people with Parkinson’s

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Interviews

John Lehr: “I’m inspired by the persistent hope of those living with Parkinson’s”

PDF CEO unveils plans for organisation’s 60th anniversary year

Vegetarian ‘Beet Wellington’ with mushrooms, aubergines and garlic

A vegetarian twist on a steak classic

Paul Mayhew-Archer: “laughing at my Parkinson’s”

We spoke to comic legend Paul Mayhew-Archer about his condition

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
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Smartphone test predicts development of Parkinson’s symptoms, study says

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Interviews

John Lehr: “I’m inspired by the persistent hope of those living with Parkinson’s”

Recipes & Nutrition

Vegetarian ‘Beet Wellington’ with mushrooms, aubergines and garlic

Interviews

Paul Mayhew-Archer: “laughing at my 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

Smartphone test predicts development of Parkinson’s symptoms, study says

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Interviews

John Lehr: “I’m inspired by the persistent hope of those living with Parkinson’s”

Recipes & Nutrition

Vegetarian ‘Beet Wellington’ with mushrooms, aubergines and garlic

Interviews

Paul Mayhew-Archer: “laughing at my 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