Study: App Accurately Tracks Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
Capturing a patients experience outside the doctors office has been an ongoing struggle when it comes to treating Parkinsons disease. But now a new smartphone app can now detect the severity of symptoms in patients with Parkinsons disease remotely, according to a recent study published by JAMA.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Rochester Medical Center and Aston University have collaborated created an app, called HopkinsPD, that is able to generate an objective severity score Parkinsons symptoms, which strongly correlates to current standard rating scales.
“If you think about it, it sounds crazy, Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author and neurologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, said in a statement, but until these types of studies, we had very limited data on how these people function on Saturdays and Sundays because patients don’t come to the clinic on Saturdays or Sundays. We also had very limited data about how people with Parkinson’s do at two o’clock in the morning or 11 o’clock at night because, unless they’re hospitalized, they’re generally not being seen in clinics at those times.”
Researchers also found that the mobile Parkinsons disease score improved by 16.3 points in response to dopaminergic therapy.
Add Medication For A Winning Combo
Diet and exercise are important for managing PD, but dont forget about medications. Take them regularly and exactly as your doctor prescribes.
If you tend to forget your medication, set an alarm to remind you. You can also use a pillbox thats labeled with days and times of day. Take your meds on a set schedule, dont skip doses and dont double dose, says Dr. Gostkowski. When youre diligent about taking your medications and following a healthy lifestyle, youll feel your best.
The Improved Apda Symptom Tracker App 20 Boasts The Following New Features:
- An interactive medication tracker where you can enter the specific medications/doses and the time of day you take them which helps identify opportunities for better symptom management
- Helpful notifications and reminders including:
- reminders to enter symptom data into the app
- push notifications about helpful education programs and updates on treatments
- reminders to share information with the clinician prior to appointments
These newly-added features are important because everyone experiences PD differently, and symptoms can vary greatly day by day. The more specific someone can be with their health care team about the types of symptoms theyre experiencing, and the timing of their medication, the better the doctor can tailor a treatment plan specifically for each person. But it can be hard for people to remember how certain symptoms have or have not affected them since the last time they connected with their health care team, or if they missed a medication dose.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association:
Don’t Miss: Leg Weakness Parkinson’s Disease
Facts On Parkinsons Disease
The neurodegenerative condition affects a specific area in the brain, influencing the production of dopamine. The symptoms do not appear all of a sudden but rather develop over the course of time. One starts to present tremors, especially at rest and initially in the hands. The movements slow down and one begins to suffer from stiffness and balance problems. Apathy and depression might follow.
Living with Parkinsons disease can be challenging, especially since there is no cure for the condition. The treatment options available concern symptom control and also the improvement of the overall quality of life. As the condition is progressive, adhering to the treatment plan is a must. One must go in for regular check-ups, take his/her medication in a responsible manner and try out different treatments/therapies.
The chronic condition is commonly diagnosed in the older population but it can be seen in younger people as well. According to the latest statistics, 1 in 500 people suffer from it, with an equal percentage of men and women receiving this diagnosis.
Apart from the general symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, balance problems, affected posture, and slowness of movement, one can present additional manifestations. These include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, bladder and bowel problems, eye problems and dizziness. One can present speech impairment and swallowing difficulties, as well as anxiety, depression and memory loss.
Using Existing Smartphone Componentsincluding The Microphone Touch Screen And Accelerometerapp Gathers Valuable Diagnostic Data In A Non
Image caption: Johns Hopkins computer science students Srihari Mohan, left, and Andong Zahn display the iPhone and Android smartphone apps they helped design to allow Parkinsons disease patients to measure the severity of their own symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive brain disorder, is often tough to treat effectively because its symptomssuch as tremors and walking difficultiescan vary dramatically over a period of days, or even hours.
To address this challenge, Johns Hopkins University computer scientists, working with an interdisciplinary team of experts from two other institutions, have developed a new approach that uses smartphone sensors to generate a score that reliably reflects symptom severity in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
In a study published recently online in the journal JAMA Neurology, researchers from Johns Hopkins, the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Aston University in the U.K. reported that the severity of symptoms among Parkinson’s patients seen by neurologists aligned closely with those generated by their smartphone app.
In the new study, the researchers say patients could use a smartphone app to objectively monitor symptoms in their home and share this data to help doctors fine-tune their treatment.
E. Ray Dorsey, a University of Rochester Medical Center neurologist and a co-author of the research paper, said he welcomes the validation of Parkinson’s patient severity scores produced by the smartphone tests.
Don’t Miss: Emotional Symptoms Of Parkinson’s
Patients Help Develop A New App For Parkinsons Disease
Our speech and language therapy patients are working closely with the University of Portsmouth to help develop a mobile phone app.
The recruited patients – all of whom have Parkinson’s disease – have been helping to develop the iPhone app with the university’s Department of Creative Technologies.
Parkinsons affects more than 120,000 people in the UK and occurs when there is not enough dopamine in specific areas within the brain. We are one of the biggest centres for Parkinsons disease in the world, currently treating around 1,000 patients.
The main symptoms of Parkinson’s are tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement and one of the effects of this is the muscles in the throat becoming very rigid. This in turn affects the vocal chords and often unbeknown to the patient, their speech becomes increasingly quiet. The new app aims to monitor voice levels taking into consideration the background noise and alert patients when their speech is too quiet.
Our specialist Prof Ray Chaudhuri, who is also the professor of one of the twelve International Parkinsons Foundation Centres of Excellence, said: This novel app is being developed by our Parkinsons patients for Parkinsons patients across the UK as part of a project led by our speech and language therapy department. So far, the patient input has been instrumental in helping to shape the visual displays and to ensure the app is user-friendly for patients with Parkinsons.
Apps Designed For Parkinsons
Some apps are designed specifically for people with Parkinsons. The Parkinson mPower study app measures tremors, gait, and balance, while Parkinson Home Exercises offers home exercises and movement advice. Learning to interact with these and similar apps can help you combat symptoms of Parkinsons such as muscle stiffness.
Living in the era of technology has its perks. Information travels more quickly than ever before, allowing for a global exchange of information. Competition is driving technological progress to an all-time high. Parkinsons can be difficult to navigate, but different smartphone functions and apps could simplify your life.
Note: Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinsons News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinsons disease.
You May Like: Parkinson’s Phase 3 Trials
Improved Adherence To Medical Treatment
App Features
Parkinsons app serves as a pill reminder. Even though you might find it simple at first to follow your treatment, as the condition progresses, things are bound to get a little bit more difficult. Your doctor might recommend several drugs, each with its own dose and frequency. Instead of having to write everything down, you can rely on the app to record your treatment plan.
As it is essential to adhere to the prescribed medication , you should be happy to know that you can set up different reminders for each drug you are taking. Just register the medication into the application or search for it in the extensive database, then add its frequency and dose.
You will receive reminders at the desired time and date, as well as consequent notifications upon not taking the medication . The reminders serve not only to tell you when to take your medication but how to take it .
Health Journal & Self-Care Action Plans
Apart from reminding you to take your medication, the CareClinic app can be used as a Parkinsons symptom tracker. Thus, it will offer valuable support regarding the management of your chronic condition. You can make daily records about the symptoms youve experienced, referring to the monthly health report for a general overview.
Recording symptoms and their characteristics
A valuable monthly report
Apps And Devices Library
We’ve worked with Our Mobile Health and a panel of people living with Parkinson’s to create a list of the best and most useful apps and devices on the market. Our Mobile Health are experts in identifying and reviewing trustworthy, relevant and engaging mobile health apps.
Everything in the library has been reviewed by people with the condition. This means we only include apps and devices that our panel:
- found genuinely useful
Also Check: Israeli Treatment Of Parkinson Disease
Best Marijuana Strains For Treating Parkinsons Disease
Medical marijuana strains for Parkinsons disease can be tailored to individual needs, in terms of lifestyle and the types of symptoms the patient is experiencing. specific cannabis strains contain varying ratios of THC to CBD.
For example, if a patient doesnt want the intoxication that comes with a high-THC strain, a high-CBD strain may be the answer.
If an individual prefers pure CBD strains, dried flower and CBD oils can be purchased over the counter online almost anywhere in the U.S.
Another important consideration is the delivery method. Cannabis products come in a wide menu of options including dried flower for smoking or cooking, vape oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals, patches, and more.
These medical marijuana strains have been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of Parkinsons disease:
-
GG4
-
Amnesia Haze
-
Blue Cookies
Patients should talk to a knowledgeable budtender about the more effective strains on their menu for their needs.
In summary, many Parkinsons disease patients are finding that medical marijuana and CBD products safely provide them with relief from their pain, spasticity, seizures, and other serious side effects. There exists a wide variety of strains, product formulas, and delivery methods. A unique medical marijuana treatment can be formulated for each individuals needs.
Treatment options should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Find Out More About Our Apps And Devices Library
All queries received regarding support for devices/apps/living aids should be sent via one of the following routes:
- Developers of devices, apps and living aids who want support on concept, design and development, testing and validation, product review and dissemination of information, or companies who want their product to be reviewed for our ‘safe to suggest’ list or ‘Excellence Network Resources’ list should contact Parkinson’s UK via our dedicated inbox . This inbox is managed by our digital strategist.
- For any device, app or living aid which is on the pathway to registration as a medical device it is likely that the request for support will be allocated to the Parkinson’s UK Research Support team. More information can be found in the Research Support Policy.
- Queries regarding sale of a consumer ready product in our online shop, or demonstration of a product at a Parkinson’s UK local group, should be directed to our product manager.
Each request for support is reviewed by the Parkinson’s UK devices, apps and living aids team. For requests regarding Parkinson’s UK support for use of a marketed product we may recommend referral to our external quality assessment partner. This is to ensure it meets our required standards before offering in-house support for evaluation by people living with Parkinson’s.
A single point of contact within the charity will be provided to the developer or company marketing a product so that there is continuity in communication.
Read Also: Stem Cells For Parkinson’s Disease Therapy
Top Speech Therapy Apps For Parkinson’s Disease
It can be hard for a busy clinician to keep up to date with new apps. Technology moves so fast! Weve been doing some of the groundwork for you.
We have chosen apps that focus on 3 of the main areas that clinicians who work with individuals with Parkinsons Disease will typically be addressing in therapy: rate control, vocal loudness and swallowing.
The apps may also be of benefit to individuals who have what are often referred to as the Parkinsons Plus conditions Multiple Systems Atrophy and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy . To view the apps listed below on the AppStore, simply press/click the title of the app.
The Best Iphone Apps For Parkinson’s Disease
Check out our list of the best Parkinson apps for the iPhone, If you’re like most people, you’re probably on your iPhone a lot. Why not put it to good use and have it help manage your lifestyle and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? There are medicine trackers, puzzles, social media sites, reminder apps, speech aids, symptom trackers, and information apps, all of which can be useful to those with Parkinson’s or their caregivers.
Parkinsons disease app is designed with and for people with Parkinsons who strive to live fully. For those participating in clinical studies we integrate with the Health app to read and collect your data to help your clinical study researchers better understand your disease state. So, download StrivePD app to know what to do to live well with this disease.
- Strive to live well with Parkinsons disease
- Track what makes you feel better or worse
- Newer miss a medication
MyParkinsonsTeam is a social network and support group for those living with Parkinson’s. Get the emotional support, practical tips to manage your life with Parkinson’s, and insights about treatment or therapies. MyParkinsonsTeam is the only social network where you can truly connect, make real friendships, and share daily ups and downs in a judgment-free place.
- Post updates about the daily ups & downs
- Get/Give instant hugs, likes & comments of support
- Search the Q+A section/ask and answer questions
- Get the support and propose the suggestions on
You May Like: Loss Of Smell And Parkinson’s
Smartphone Apps For Those Living With Parkinsons
If you are like most people, you are probably on your smartphone for a good portion of the day! Why not put the time spent on your devices to good use and manage your symptoms of Parkinsons disease and help elevate your lifestyle!
There is a wealth of smartphone/tablet apps that allow those who have Parkinsons Disease to help relieve them of stress, to help with certain exercises, to help with voice control and much more! There are so many apps to choose from, but here we have our top 5 smartphone apps for those living with Parkinsons disease.
Exercise Management Using A Mobile App In Patients With Parkinsonism: Prospective Open
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
2College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
3School of Information Convergence, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
4Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
5National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong, Republic of Korea
Read Also: Tremor Predominant Parkinson Disease Treatment
Smartphone Apps For Those Living With Parkinson’s Disease
September 15, 2017, by
Digital platforms are now used for an array of healthcare purposes. Electronic medical records software, for example, enables physicians to better manage patient health information, while medical billing software helps administrators with the financial side of the process. Meanwhile, technologies such as pedometers, patient portals and smartphone or tablet apps empower patients to take greater control over the management of their own health. Apps, in particular, now address a range of concerns, from healthy eating to exercise. There are also many apps that focus on the management of chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and depression.
Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative illness impacting the nervous system, is another condition that is addressed via a range of smartphone apps. Here, we’ll provide a breakdown of some of the most effective Parkinson’s apps currently available.
A closer look at Parkinson’s diseaseA condition that progresses and worsens over a period of many years, Parkinson’s disease affects the central nervous system, and is characterized by symptoms such as stiffness, problems with movement and tremors, the Mayo Clinic detailed. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, although patients are able to take medications to manage symptoms and improve daily life.
Combine Exercise With Diet
Dr. Gostkowski says if you want to feel your best, combine a healthy diet with exercise. Research has shown that regular exercise can improve PD symptoms.
Do exercise that raises your heart rate, Dr. Gostkowski says. Aim for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Dont worry about specific exercises. Do an activity you enjoy, as long as it gets your heart rate up. Try brisk walking or biking or more advanced exercise for veteran athletes. I recommend seeing an occupational therapist. They can tailor an exercise program to your needs.
You May Like: What Is The Prognosis For Parkinson’s Disease