Communication Aids And Typing Devices For Parkinsons Patients
In some cases, people get improvement in their speech and communication with medications. There are cases as well in which medications have not proved to be effective.
Here, you will see some communication aids and typing devices that can be very helpful if you have Parkinsons disease. These are discussed below, have a look at them:
Parkinsons Uk Teams Up With Our Mobile Health To Create Apps Library
Parkinsons UK has teamed up with Our Mobile Health to create a library of apps and devices to support those living with the condition.
In response to increasing demand for technology, the charity wanted to curate a library which listed safe apps and devices.
Our Mobile Healths role will be to source the apps from developers with Parkinsons UK setting up a user panel which will test and evaluate the new digital tools, and give advice to other users.
Emma Lawton, devices and apps strategist at Parkinsons UK, told Digital Health News that the crux of the library was to help sort out which apps and devices were the best.
There are so many apps out there that people have access to, Lawton said.
What we are doing is vetting apps and devices to ensure people are using the best ones.
The library will contain a variety of apps and devices which help track symptoms and help manage the condition.
Apps which promote self-management make up the majority available to those who have Parkinsons, according to Lawton.
She also added that they can help those suffering with the condition as they keep track of how they are feeling and any symptoms they may be experiencing.
Lawton, who will be help launch the library in January, said as well as helping reviewing apps, she hopes the library will highlight what technology is missing for those living with Parkinsons.
On Our Mobile Healths side, reviewers will look at a range of areas such as patient safety and data security.
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.
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Motorola Moto G Stylus
Features: The Moto G Stylus has a 48-megapixel camera far greater than the 16-megapixel smartphone average to capture sharp family photos and videos. Its also water-resistant and includes features like facial recognition, fingerprint unlock, and high-quality audio when streaming. The phones battery can last up to two days and comes unlocked, meaning you can use it with any service provider or pay in advance for minutes and texts.
Why its good for seniors: This is one of the loudest phones on our list. With sound quality that peaks around 88 decibels, the phone is ideal for seniors with hearing impairment. The screen is 6.4 inches tall and allows for text enlargement. It also comes with a built-in stylus for those who like writing notes or memos by hand.
Cost: The starting price of $299 is fairly low for a smartphone, but what makes the Moto G Stylus ideal for budget-conscious seniors is the option to choose a pay-as-you-go plan, perfect for those who want the Wi-Fi capacities of a smartphone without the commitment of unlimited talk and text that many national providers require.
Smartphone Apps For Those Living With Parkinsons Disease
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.
Parkinsons disease, a degenerative illness impacting the nervous system, is another condition that is addressed via a range of smartphone apps. Here, well provide a breakdown of some of the most effective Parkinsons apps currently available.
A closer look at Parkinsons diseaseA condition that progresses and worsens over a period of many years, Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons, although patients are able to take medications to manage symptoms and improve daily life.
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Data Extraction And Analysis
Two review authors and independently extracted the following data: authors, publication year, study design, participant characteristics , mean age of participants, sample size, smartphone outcome measures, and types of smartphone, gait and balance outcome measures, measure of validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity, main results, smartphone wear site, intended user and locations of assessment. Different smartphone applications based on accelerometers and gyroscopes were extracted. Any discrepancies between the authors during data extraction were resolved through discussion with a third author .
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Online Portal Managed By Caregiver
Normally a phones features are managed in device settings or in individual applications. In the case of the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, to maximize simplicity, the phone is managed through an easy-to-use online portal that can be accessed by the caregiver from anywhere in the world.
The portal allows the caregiver to add and edit contacts, including pictures. The caregiver can also use the portal to limit all incoming calls to those from contacts, preventing unwanted predatory calls from people who may take advantage of individuals with memory loss. The portal can further be used to make all calls go automatically to the speaker. Watch a video of the online portal.
The caregiver can also access the signal strength and remaining battery power of the phone. This way, if the caregiver cannot reach the user, she can go into the portal and see if it is because the phone is out of power or there is poor signal strength.
The purpose of the portal is to provide the caregiver with the ability fully to manage the RAZ Memory Cell Phone. The person with memory loss receives a phone that works with maximum simplicity. The user does not have access to settings control is in the hands of the caregiver.
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Tablets As A Cellphone Alternative For Seniors
With Wi-Fi calling and text capabilities, small tablets can be used as a cellphone alternative for seniors who arent ready for a smartphone. Because of their size, tablets may not be the best choice for in the car or on the go, but they offer features like video calling, entertainment, and interactive smart assistants like Alexa or Siri.
Top multi-use tablet phones for seniors include:
- Consumer Cellular Grandpad Affordable and designed with seniors in mind, the device offers games, music streaming, video chat, and cellular calls.
- Apple iPad Mini Like a smartphone, you can text on the iPad as well as video chat, play games, and write.
- Amazon Echo Show 15 The Echo integrates Alexa into a seniors home. Its compatible with Zoom as well as Skype and can stream videos, play audiobooks, and act as a control panel for other smart devices, like thermostats and locks, throughout the home.
Recent Findings On The Use Of Smartphone Apps For The Management Of Pd
Although there are only a few randomized controlled studies on the use of smartphone apps for the management of PD , smartphone apps have a promising potential to enhance home care plans for individuals with PD, especially to improve their medication and rehabilitation training compliance . The meta-analysis shows that smartphone applications have been used in the daily management of many diseases and have achieved good results in medication compliance .
Recent findings indicate that wearable devices connected to smartphone apps can monitor patients motion and non-motor symptoms, which is helpful for doctors to have a more comprehensive understanding of the patients condition . PD_Manager is a mobile health platform designed to cover most of the content related to PDs home management . Its mechanism includes the use of a bracelet and an insole sensor that connect to a smartphone to monitor the patient without interference, which helps doctors to have a more comprehensive understanding of the patients condition. As Motolese et al. point out, most patients are satisfied with the monitoring program provided by smartphones, but its substantial effect needs further verification.
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Consumer Cellular Doro 7050
Like GreatCall, Consumer Cellular is one of the leading companies when it comes to cell phones for seniors. The company offers a wide range of devices from high-tech ones like the GrandPad above to simple devices like the Doro 7050.
The Doro 7050 is a basic flip phone with large buttons that makes dialing phone numbers and sending text messages easier than ever. The simple design means less tech-savvy seniors wont get confused, and the displays feature high-contrast lighting to make it easier to read, even if there is a glare. It has a three megapixel camera with built-in flash, offering basic functionality for taking photos.
This flip phone features hearing aid compatibility and an emergency button if you need to reach out for help. The company also hosts instructional videos on its website so you can learn how to use the phone in just a few minutes.
The Doro 7050 is incredibly affordable. It costs $50, and the company offers a variety of calling and texting plans to suit different budgets.
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.
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Price And Wireless Service
There are two versions of the phone. One version costs $309.00 and works on T-Mobile, and wireless providers that resell T-Mobile service, such as Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Ting and Simple Mobile. It does not work on AT& T, Verizon or wireless providers that resell AT& T or Verizon service. Currently, the phone comes with a free SIM card and three free months of service from MINT Mobile. After the free months of service, MINT Mobile costs as low as $15/month for unlimited service.
The other version of the phone costs $349.00 and works with AT& T, Verizon, as well as T-Mobile. In other words, this version of the phone can be used with any wireless provider, including wireless resellers such as Cricket Wireless, Consumer Cellular, Straight Talk, Net10 and Metro by T-Mobile. This phone also comes with the free SIM card and service from MINT Mobile. For more information click here or call 1-800-729-0083.
List Of Cell Phones For Parkinsons Patients
Price : $12.99Features :
- WIDE GRIP FOR GREATER CONTROL: Foam tubing provides a wider grip for greater control and more secure grip on everyday objects. Perfect for pens, silverware, toothbrushes and more, the tubing builds up the utensil handles to create a soft, comfortable grip for those needing assistance such as individuals with ALS, Parkinsons Disease, Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis.
- SOFT NON-SLIP GRIP: High-density foam tubing is comfortably soft. The non-slip foam stays securely in place on the tool or utensil and does not easily slide from the hand. Foam will not absorb odors from hands or food and is easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
- CUT TO CUSTOM LENGTH: Foam tubing grips come in 12 lengths allowing each tube to conveniently cover multiple objects. Easily cut with scissors, simply mark tubing at the desired length for each object.
- 9 PIECE ASSORTMENT OF DIAMETERS AND COLORS: Package contains 9 pieces of tubing. Three blue foam tubes have a diameter of 1.9cm and are perfect for knives and thicker utensils. The red foam tubes are .95cm and are most useful for spoons and forks. The smallest tubing is .6cm in diameter and is best used for pens, pencils and toothbrushes
- VIVE GUARANTEE: 60 day unconditional guarantee so you can purchase now with confidence.
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Price : $27.77Features :
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Price : $19.88Features :
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Price : $9.99Features :
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Review Protocol And Registration
The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook . The reporting of the study followed the instructions suggested by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis . The review protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO, the International prospective register of systematic review .
Computers And Mobile Phones
Some people with Parkinsons find that they have difficulties with communication, including their speech and writing. But lots of gadgets are available that can make this easier.
Being able to use a computer and the internet can open up lots of opportunities for you.
You can:
- handle day-to-day correspondence through email, video calling or using speech-to-text software, which can be useful if you have problems writing by hand
- keep in touch with your friends and family, and share experiences with other people affected by Parkinsons through online communities and social media
- search for information about Parkinsons and other subjects of interest
- manage your online banking and shopping, which can save time and may be helpful if you have limited mobility or live in a remote area
- enjoy leisure time such as artistic or other hobby interests by finding like-minded people and resources online
For many people, having a mobile phone offers peace of mind as they know that they can contact someone straight away in an emergency.
Smartphones come with apps, which are pieces of software that can be used to perform specific tasks, such as writing a note or playing a game. Smartphones have many different apps that you may find useful, including:
Voice activation most smartphones either have built-in features to enable voice control, or you can install an app to do the same job. You can use voice activation to help you:
Video calling lets you see and hear each other during a call.
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Matts Top Websites And Technologies For People With Parkinsons
Walk With Path Path Finder
Path Finder is a device that you attach to your shoe, and it fires a green laser light in front of you when you walk to help combat freezing. This is a really useful aid because the light gives you a focus to step over. Some people use doorways, for example, but if you are walking down the street you dont have anything to focus on. This light really helped me modify my gait.
You can buy them online they arent in mass production yet so at around £395 the cost can be prohibitive. But it provides a solution to a problem, which is what tech is all about.
Emma Lawtons PD365 video log
I use YouTube a lot to see how are other PwPs are coping, and I get daily updates from Emma Lawtons YouTube channel PD365.
Her videos are so insightful. She keeps everything real, and doesnt hide her symptoms. She tackles real issues, like how to apply her make up without a steady hand, or using a straw to drink from a cup to avoid throwing it everywhere. People get what she says, because she doesnt hold back. Shes not afraid to tackle the issues some other Parkinsons perhaps shy away from. These issues arent always pleasant, but its what we have to deal with.
Evergreen Life app
I use this app on my mobile phone and it does all sorts of things I can reorder my prescriptions using the app, and it can notify me when theyre due it goes straight to the pharmacy, and a day or two later my medication is ready to collect.
Start Living Today PD
Fitbit