Google Glass could aid Parkinson’s patients

Next generation wearable technology like Google Glass could be used as an assistive aid for those with the neurological condition Parkinson’s disease say researchers from Newcastle University’s Digital Interaction Group. Parkinson’s manifests itself in motor symptoms including rigidity, tremor, bradykinesisa, and freezing due to motor blocks. The technology – likened to a wearable smartphone – could be used as an external cue to remind when to take medication, swallow to stop drooling, or help with overcoming freezes. “Glass opens up a new space for exploring the design and development of wearable systems,” explains Dr John Vines, who led the study. “It is very early days – Glass is such a new technology we are still learning how it might be used but the beauty of this research project is that we are designing the apps and systems for Glass in collaboration with the users so the resulting applications should exactly meet their needs.” Glass was trialled by Parkinson’s volunteers aged 46-70 for a week to assess it acceptability. Vines said it was encouraging how well volunteers took to the wearable technology – which is voice operated and linked to the internet – and the fact that they could see potential in it. The focus is now on how the technology could be used to provide discreet prompts linked to behaviours typical of Parkinson’s. Rosin McNaney – whose PhD has focussed on the use of external cues as behavioural prompts – believes the technology could be a discreet way to reduce the social isolation caused by behaviour such as drooling and tremor which they have no control over, “The last thing we want is a system of cueing which is so obvious it adds to people’s overall embarrassment,” she said. “Glass offers us a real opportunity for the long-term treatment of progressive conditions.” Lynn Tearse, 46, and Ken Booth, 56, were some of the first volunteers to trial the technology. Booth said: “They’re just fantastic. The potential for someone with Parkinson’s is endless.” “Any technology which promotes confidence and helps people to take better control of their condition and life should be welcomed” said Tearse. Glass is not currently available outside America, but Google donated five pairs to the study to test how they might be used to support people with long term conditions.