Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder suffered by many people around the world, which translates to different challenges in daily living. The signs and symptoms, which may include but are not limited to movement symptoms/ bradykinesia, tremors, rigidity, and impaired posture, can affect a person’s quality of life.
Nonetheless, new assistive technologies are offering new approaches to improving the lives of Parkinson’s patients. This post will discuss improvements in assistive technologies and how they can help patients with Parkinson’s disease in everyday life while exploring their potential in the future.
Understanding Assistive Technology
By distinction, assistive technology is an object or contraption that has been purposely designed to help individuals do certain things that they might not otherwise engage in because of physical or cognitive hindrances. With the Parkinson’s population, such technology can be anything from simple walking sticks to complex home devices and safety alarms. This has enabled people with disabilities to remain active, be comfortable, and perform daily tasks, such as visiting a doctor or shopping, with minimal assistance.
Mobility Solutions
One issue commonly encountered by individuals living with Parkinson’s is being able to walk properly. It is important to note that the burden can be alleviated by the inclusion of devices like canes, walkers, and motorized mobility aids. Furthermore, the emergence of devices such as exoskeletons and robots provides additional input, hence elevating the ability of a patient to get up, walk, and even negotiate climbing some heights.
Smart Home Technology
Parkinson’s disease patients gain a lot in terms of decreasing mental and physical load with the advent of smart home gadgets, hence reducing the number of psychomotor tasks. They will enable voice assistants, smart bulbs or devices, and switches for electronically controlled work.
So smart house appliances would make life easier for people. For example, the smart thermometer would not need an individual to adjust it, while a keyless lock does not require hand activity.
Communication and Social Interaction
Parkinson’s disease, too, comes with an impact on communication, leading to loneliness. No wonder that assistive technology steps in to fill the gaps between people. With video conferencing software, patients are able to maintain contact with relatives and other people, and speech-generating devices facilitate the communication of those who have lost their voice. Such devices aim to reduce individuals’ social withdrawal caused by age-related or disease-induced poor health. Psychological approaches are used to improve the quality of life.
Steadiwear: A Revolutionary Approach
One such emerging technology used in these cases includes Steadi-Three. This adaptive device mainly strives to prevent shaking of the body which can hinder the activities of individuals that have Parkinson’s. Steadiwear has the capability of understanding how a person intends to move and how he/she is moving and is capable of adapting accordingly.
Hence, for people suffering from such affliction and using Steadiwear to accomplish tasks, from eating to writing in a concise manner; how technology can have a positive impact on the quality of life is brought out.
Conclusion
Engaging assistive tools in the everyday routine of people with Parkinson’s disease is seen as a crucial way to improve their quality of life. Applications such as assistive tools play in getting the individual mobile, aiding relay of information and eventually independence, has shown that the person can handle their issues with much more safety and assurance.
Is there someone in your life with Parkinson’s, or maybe you are living with Parkinson’s yourself?
Should you be considering assistive technology or have one present in you, know that this may be one of the most impacting decisions you have to make. In conclusion, the rapid advancement of assistive technology is just beginning to revolutionize care for Parkinson’s patients.