Involuntary Shaking Can Be Caused By Essential Tremors
I dont think it took us five minutes to say, This is remarkable, says Sheila Garner, who oversees two-dozen senior and assisted living facilities in Northern California run by Brookdale Senior Living. She was impressed enough with the Liftware spoon to order some for her residents with essential tremor.
Well be able to free up staff time from assisting people with eating, Garner says. But her focus, she says, is on restoring the dignity that her residents with essential tremor lost when they could no longer feed themselves.
Engineer and inventor Anupam Pathak was working on stabilizing technology for the Army Research Laboratory when he realized the technology could boost the independence of people with severe tremor. Courtesy of Liftwarehide caption
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Engineer and inventor Anupam Pathak was working on stabilizing technology for the Army Research Laboratory when he realized the technology could boost the independence of people with severe tremor.
Pathak says he got the idea while still in grad school. I was working on technologies for Army Research Lab to stabilize for soldiers in combat, he says.
But that wasnt what really moved him. Ive always had this sort of drive, he says, of wanting to make technologies with very personal and immediate impact.
The product became available commercially last December and at roughly $300 , its not cheap. Pathak wouldnt disclose exactly how many he has sold, but says its more than 1,000.
Easy Grip Steady Spoon
While this spoon might not have the most advanced features like those mentioned above, it certainly works a lot better than a regular spoon. The handle of the spoon is wide, soft, and has a good grip that allows maximum user control with minimum effort. It comes with an angle-adjustable feature. The angle of the head can be adjusted by 360-degree with a rotated bead to meet different needs.
The spoon features a wrist belt attached to the handle. This feature makes this spoon stand apart from other regular spoons for two reasons. First, it helps the patient to hold the spoon firmly. Second, it makes it easy to pick up the food from the plate, it wouldnt make your table dirty like other normal spoons.
The spoon is crafted with high-quality steel that provides greater durability and can be cleaned easily with hands or in a dishwasher.
How To Look After Your Liftware Steady
Wash the utensil attachments in the dishwasher or by hand in warm water with mild detergent. Wipe the computerized handle with antibacterial wipes or a damp sponge.
BIOS Medical has been taking care of Canadians for over three generations. We are a Liftware Steady manufacturer and accept payment via PayPal, GPay and ShopPay. Buy Liftware Steady products online from BIOS Medical today.
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Avoid Food/drinks That Make The Tremors Worse
Too much coffee can make any person shake from hands to toes. So, if you have Parkinsons, you should avoid caffeine as much as possible since it can make your shaking worse.
You should also remove chocolate and other foods/drinks containing caffeine from your diet.
Also, pay attention to what you eat and how it influences your tremors so that you can adjust your diet.
What Makes The Liftware Steady Spoon Different From A Regular Spoon
People with hand tremors find it very difficult to eat with a regular spoon and this is because of its following 3 main problems.
1. The spoon is flimsy, not sturdy
2. It is not good enough to hold the food
3. It is uncomfortable
The Liftware Steady Spoon, on the other hand, has none of these problems. Here are some of the unique features that make it a revolutionary spoon for people with hand tremors.
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What To Look For In Parkinsons Spoons
Parkinsons disease affects between seven to 10 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, scientists have yet to find a cure or understand what causes it.
Its a progressive condition that affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain and results in loss of motion control and involuntary movements.
Usually, Parkinsons starts with barely noticeable tremors in one hand that gets worse in time. Your hands and fingers might shake and tremble so much that it could be hard to grasp things and hold them steady.
Moreover, Parkinsons disease causes stiffness in the arms and legs and makes it hard to do simple tasks as the condition progresses.
Fortunately, thanks to the development of Parkinsons spoons, youll forget about spilling the food or needing someone to feed you.
When youre shopping, the most important part is the handle. It should provide a good grip so that you can eat your meals comfortably without spilling.
In general, the best Parkinsons spoon has sensors that learn your hands movement habits and predict unwanted movement for better hand stability. But these also tend to be expensive.
Spoons with rubber handles also have a good texture and prevent the spoon from slipping, but they dont stabilize the hand so well. On the plus side, theyre cheap and affordable.
Besides stability and grasp, you should also consider whats the spoon made of and how easy its to wash it. Usually, stainless steel and silverware might handle hot food better than plastic.
What Are Weighted Utensils
Weighted utensils for tremors stabilize hand and arm control for Parkinsons patients or a related health condition.
Breakthroughs in treatment like the Parkinsons spoon highlights how it can improve the patients quality of life by providing them independence at mealtimes.
Today, it is now easier to receive expert care and find such adaptive technologies in the market!
References
- Brian MK Allen. 2014. Smart Spoon for Parkinsons Sufferers. YouTube Video. . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiVQcgmIi08.
- Our Goal: An Urgently Needed Cure. 2021. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research | Parkinsons Disease. 2021. https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate/our-goal-urgently-needed-cure?smcid=bg-a1b1R0000086fO3& gclid=79be5cddea291baec7003dd0b7ef2638& gclsrc=3p.ds& msclkid=79be5cddea291baec7003dd0b7ef2638.
- Tremor Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2021. Nih.gov. 2021. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tremor-Fact-Sheet.
Do you have any questions about how the Parkinsons spoon works? Any tips? Share below.
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Are Parkinsons Spoons Safe
Some of the Parkinsons stabilizing spoons contain magnets. As such, they can be dangerous for people with cardiac pacemakers, and you shouldnt hold them too close to the body.
To be safe, always read the products instructions and directions. If you have questions, dont be shy to reach the manufacturer or seek your doctor for advice.
Since some Parkinsons spoons have electronic components, you should keep them away from microwaves and heating sources to avoid damage.
Moreover, make sure that you follow the cleaning instructions. Submerging these specialized devices in water might nullify the warranty, and you might not get a replacement.
Also, keep the spoons from aerosol or administered oxygen, as it might produce harmful effects. Wipe the handle after each use to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
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Parkinson Spoon For Hand Tremor Gyenno Steady Spoon With Self Stabilizing Smart Lift Kit For Parkinsons Patients Silverware Kit Cutlery For Elderly
- ADAPTS TO YOUR HAND TREMOR GYENNO steady spoon electronically stabilizes so the attached utensil shakes 85% less than your hand. USAGE RANGE: If your hand vibration amplitude is within 7cm/2.8inch, GYENNO SPOON can help you at the best. Otherwise, the effect will not be obvious.
- PACKAGE GYENNO portable tableware includes: a stabilizing handle, a spoon attachment, a fork attachment, a charging box, a charging cable and a user manual with multi languages.
- EXCELLENT QUALITY & SUITABLE SIZE GYENNO tremor spoon has ergonomic design which adapted to the general hands use habit, total weight 130g, easy to hold and to prevent from slippery.
- SUSTAINABLE Fully charged battery can run three meals a day The maximum use of time is 180 minutes). It has replaceable battery designed and the Notification Light shows using/battery status.
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE At GYENNO, we have strongly confidence on our products. Every GYENNO product includes an 6-month, worry-free Guarantee.If you have any problem or suggestion, please contact us freely, we will provide friendly support for you in 24 hr.
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Gyenno Smart Portable Spoon For Parkinson Anti
If your loved one has Parkinsons or any disease where tremors or a shaky hand is part of their illness, one major issue is often the loss of independence, particularly in fine motor control. That means that the basic human need of eating become one huge hassle. Huge bummer.
Holding silverware becomes difficult or impossible. Mealtime becomes a huge frustration as a Parkinsons patient tries to grasp a spoon or fork and keep it level to scoop food from the plate to their mouth. IF the food makes it that far, its generally cold.
Try eating a bowl of soup with a trembling hand like my father had. I learned to adapt I made stews.
Food usually is spilled or involuntarily flung everywhere, or a caregiver takes over and feeds their loved one .
Its heartbreaking when a simple daily activity like eating becomes something a Parkinsons patient or someone with tremors cant do themselves.
If your loved one has any kind of tremors, youll be happy to find out about the anti-tremble spoon and fork set shown there above. This anti-tremble silverware features a large, non-slip, ergonomic handle, which is easier to hold than a typical spoon or fork. But.wait for it.
Adapts To Your Hand Tremor
Liftware Steady electronically stabilizes so the attached utensil shakes 70%* less than your hand. Worry less about spilling and focus on enjoying your meal.
*As shown in this peer-reviewed and published clinical study.
Watch Kathleen, Satoko, and Berta use Liftware Steady to accommodate their different levels of tremor.
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A Spoon Has Made It To Market Designed To Help People With Parkinsons Regain Independence
An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide are affected by Parkinsons disease. The disease can manifest in the form of involuntary movement that can be debilitating. A few years ago, stabilization technology was implemented in silverware and the results were amazing. This technology allows Parkinsons patients to gain more independence by feeding themselves while living with uncontrollable limb movement. Multiple companies now make a Parkinsons spoon that helps thousands of people who are suffering from this disease.
What Is Liftware Steady
Liftware Steady, previously Liftware, is an electronic stabilizing handle with attachments. These attachments include a fork, spoon, soup spoon and spork. A spork is a spoon and fork combined. Eating is an everyday activity, but for someone with tremors, it can be challenging. Liftware Steady helps retain their independence, dignity and confidence.
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Parkinson Spoon With Self Stabilizing Smart Lift Kitself
- 1.Steady spoon electronically stabilizes so the attached utensil shakes 85% less than your hand. Worry less about spilling and focus on enjoying your meal.
- 2.With easy-to-hold and non-slip ergonomic design,The spoon Weighs just 130g making it perfectly convenient for every meal. The lightweight design improves efficiency when eating. Say goodbye to cold dinners from now on
- 3.Fully charged battery can run three meals a day . It has replaceable battery designed and the Notification Light shows using/battery status.
- 4.Usage Range:If your hand vibration amplitude is within 7cm/2.8inch, Our spoon can help you at the best. Otherwise, the effect will not be obvious
- 5.Applicable to the elderly with insufficient grip strength, suitable for disabled people with upper limbs and nervous system disorders. This is the ideal choice for those with weak grip and reduced hand movements.
Liftware Steady Utensil Starter Kit
For people whose tremors have not yet worsened, this spoon is excellent .
You also get a soup spoon, a joint spoon, and a fork all together with this set. It is equipped with sensors to measure unconscious hand movements, a microprocessor, and a motor to counteract such motions.
More importantly, a liftware spoon can reduce trembling by as much as 70%.
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A Spoon For People With Parkinson’s
For those with hand tremors, mealtimes can be moments of frustration rather than enjoyment. Can a high-tech spoon help?
I have very clear memories from when I was a girl of my grandpa sitting at the table, hands fluttering wildly, struggling to get a spoonful from his plate to his mouth without making a mess. His Parkinson’s disease made what should have been a relaxing, comforting meal with family into a stressful battle with his own body.
A new spoon from Lift Labs may help others who suffer from hand tremors that make eating difficult. The spoon counteracts the movements of a wavering grip, reducing the shaking by 70 percent.
A video from Lift Ware shows how it works:
Sara Hendren, an artist and researcher who runs Abler, a site devoted to adaptive technologies and prosthetics, likened the Lift Ware spoon to an “edit” of more familiar flatware. “This kind of ‘edit’ extends self-feeding for its user,” she wrote to me over email, “and maintaining that kind of autonomy can be very significant to one’s own self-perception and the perceptions of others. After all, the experience of change in a person’s ability is registered as much in these qualitative ways as it is in hearing the results of lab tests.”
In a sense, all technologies are “assistive” technologies — eating hot soup with one’s bare hands does not sound particularly effective, nor pleasant. We have invented spoons to extend our limited abilities.
Liftware Steady Starter Kit For Hand Tremors
Besides Gyenno, Liftware is another company that offers excellent self-stabilizing spoons for people with Parkinsons or people with essential tremors.
The Steady spoon reduces shakes and trembling up to 70% so that your utensils remain steady during a meal.
The handle has built-in advanced sensors, a computer, and a motor to detect and counteract unconscious hand movements.
Most customers find using this Liftware assistive device easy and liberating because it prevents spilling food everywhere.
Moreover, Liftwares spoon is suitable for cereals, soups, and liquids. It can hold approximately 15 ml of content, the same as any ordinary tablespoon.
Another advantage of Liftware is that the battery is rechargeable and lasts about an hour when fully charge.
Unlike Gyennos device, Liftware comes with a charge, and it easy to plug the handle into the charger when youve finished eating.
Liftware Steady Starter Kit also comes with a traveling pouch and a hand strap so that you can carry it with you without getting your utensils dirty.
You can also purchase everyday spoon, fork, and spork attachments separately.
But, make sure that you dont get the handle wet because of the electronic components. The manufacturer recommends wiping it with antibacterial wipes.
You can wash the spoon/fork attachments in the dishwasher or clean them with warm water and a sponge.
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Equipment For Eating And Drinking
If you find it difficult to drink or to prepare and eat meals, it’s worth considering specialist items that could help.
If you have reduced grip, weakness or tremor, it can be difficult to handle cutlery. Several specially designed styles are available, including:
- an all-in-one knife and fork or fork and spoon
- special handles that are extra-large, easy-grip , extra-light, weighted or curved foam sleeves, which can be placed over existing cutlery handles to make them easier to hold
- cutlery which can be bent to suit different grips
- self-levelling spoons
If you experience stiffness and rigidity, you may find that extra large or curved-handled cutlery works best for you. If you have a tremor you may prefer the combined fork and spoon, for example.
You can usually buy specially designed cutlery in high street mobility shops.
If you have difficulty gripping things, a curved-handled or rocking action knife can be used for chopping food. The handle is D or L-shaped to help give you more control.
They come in various sizes and the handles are usually made from easy-grip material.
Plate guards clip onto the plate and provide an upright ring around it to stop food from falling off the edge. You can also push food up against the guard to get it onto your fork or spoon.
If it takes you longer to eat a meal or drink a drink, an insulated dish or mug can keep your food and drink hot or cold. They are often weighted, which can help keep the items stable.
What Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that leads to cell loss in several areas of the brain. One of those areas is called the substantia nigra which produces dopaminea chemical that transmits signals to facilitate coordination of movement. Without dopamine, neurons fire without control and patients struggle to control their movement. It is due to the impact Parkinsons has on a patients movement that it is considered a movement disorder by clinicians.
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Best Utensils For Parkinsons Patients
Hand tremor is the most disturbing symptom of Parkinsons disease. This symptom of the disease makes it difficult for patients to eat food with regular utensils. The moment they sit and start eating, the food journey from plate to the mouth becomes a nightmare. It is not only irritating and embarrassing but also keeps them isolated from friends and family.
It is therefore recommended for Parkinsons patients to use adaptive utensils. While there are plenty of different utensil sets available on the market, most often it becomes tricky to choose the best one. For that reason, we have compiled here a list of the 5 best utensil sets so that you can choose the one from the list that you think is perfect for your loved one.
Although these utensils will not teat the tremor, they will support weakened grips and reduce the tremors effects to some extent. This in turn will prevent spilling and will allow your loved one to eat with confidence.
These high-quality non-weighted utensils could be a good choice for your loved one with Parkinsons. Each item of the set comes with a wide ribbed handle with a raised, textured grip to improve dexterity and control.
The set is durable as it is made up of high-quality stainless steel. Plus, it can easily be cleaned in a dishwasher machine or by hand.
The utensils are easily cleanable wash them in the dishwasher or by hand using soap/washing detergents found in your kitchen.
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