Study suggests telemedicine “as effective as in-person care” for Parkinson’s

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 6 September 2017

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A study, published in the journal ‘Neurology’, has found evidence to suggest that telemedicine is just as effective as in-person care for Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers found that telemedicine – the ‘virtual’ diagnosis and treatment of individuals through telecommunication technology – can deliver high quality care for those who do not have access to a neurologist.

Ray Dorsey, professor of neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York State, US, and lead author of the study said: “We now have the ability to reach anyone, anywhere, but the promise and benefits of telemedicine will not be fully realised until the changes are made in medicare policy.”

The study – which is the first national randomised controlled clinical trial of telemedicine for Parkinson’s disease – was conducted as part of the Connect.Parkinson project, an initiative led by the University of Rochester Medical Center, in collaboration with several other Parkinson’s institutions, including The Michael J Fox Foundation.

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Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

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Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

A saliva test carried out by doctors may be able to both diagnose Parkinson’s and detect the severity of the condition, according to a recent study published in medical journal ‘Neurological Sciences’. Several indicators of the development of Parkinson’s, including problems in the production of energy, can be easily detected in saliva. As part of the study, carried out by a team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, saliva samples were collected from 76 patients living with Parkinson’s, and 37 participants with good general health. They found that the saliva of those with Parkinson’s reflected evidence of alteration in neurotransmitters – chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate. The researchers said the test “may highlight the characteristic changes in metabolite levels during the onset of Parkinson’s”.

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Study suggests telemedicine “as effective as in-person care” for Parkinson’s

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 6 September 2017

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‘A Highbrow Dinner’: medicinal plants, great food and Parkinson’s

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Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

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Study suggests telemedicine “as effective as in-person care” for Parkinson’s

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 6 September 2017

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‘A Highbrow Dinner’: medicinal plants, great food and Parkinson’s

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