Using Technology to Fight Parkinson’s

As I watch my dad’s Parkinson’s progress, I’m always looking for ways to combat his symptoms. He already addresses diet, and exercise on his own. But I think that we could use technology to help fight Parkinson’s too.

Over the past year, I’ve begun to look into different technological opportunities to see if we might be able to create additional comfort and flexibility for my dad. And I’ve found that the following technology types might help us to target particular Parkinson’s symptoms.

Helpful applications

DAF Professional Speech Therapy

The DAF Professional speech therapy app can be used to target speech challenges. Since many Parkinson’s patients struggle with the slowing of speech, vocal power, and strength, using an app like this one could contribute to better communication. This app even has features that are catered specifically towards Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s Home Exercises

Parkinson’s Home Exercises is an application that was designed by the European Foundation for Health and Exercise to target specific physiological Parkinson’s symptoms.

Are you hoping to improve your posture? Would you like to increase your bed mobility? If so, this app has a number of different exercises that may help you to improve your relationship with Parkinson’s. Before starting any at home exercise, be sure to check in with your doctor.

Making adjustments

It’s possible to adjust the settings on your computer, cell phone, tablet, and various other electronics to accommodate your changing body. For example, you can make touch screens less sensitive. Or you can slow down the pace of your mouse.¹

Dad loves utilizing the speech to text feature on his phone because it allows him to text his kids without having to type out the individual digits. It’s also possible to use Google or Siri to talk to your phone, and get it to open applications or play music.

We’ve also installed an Alexa device in his bedroom, which can be connected to other smart devices like light switches or outlets. This is one of my favorite changes that we’ve made because now, my dad can use it to make calls if he needs help. But it also simplifies tasks that have become difficult for him. Google Home is another comparative device that can provide similar advantages.

Games for cognition

There are tons of different gaming systems and applications that were developed specifically to target physical and cognitive practices. Today, there are even Parkinson’s specific platforms that may help you to maintain mental clarity, to practice problem solving, and to address a number of additional challenges.

Clock Yourself

Clock Yourself is a gaming system that was developed to target neurological rehabilitation. Since the brain is constantly changing and wiring itself, it’s possible to cultivate skills and focus where there previously were none. This game can be downloaded from the Apple Store or on Google Play.

Lumosity

Lumosity is not specifically for Parkinson’s patients, but it does create customizable games for each person who plays. This application is great because it uses a variety of different game styles to boost cognitive functions.

For example, some games focus on numbers and math while others might target focus. The regular use of games like this could help players to cultivate certain skills.