In Newcastle University, England,
researchers are examining if Google Glass can help Parkinson’s patients monitor
their symptoms and be more mobile. In one small study, researchers held
workshops with patients with Parkinson’s disease and then let them use Google
glass at home. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that
results in a loss of motor control including rigidty, tremors and
‘bradykinesia’ or slowness of movement. The disease affects up to 10 million
people, usually those over 50. Medication can help stop symptoms, but users
have to be careful about timing their doses so they don’t risk side effects
that can lead to exacerbated tremors.
Google Glass is like working a
mobile phone with boxes gloves on. You can take a photograph and take a video and
search the Internet. You can make a call and send a text. However, arguments
people made about how Google Glass could invade privacy, were actually positive
arguments for its use as an assistive device. One main focus on using the
device would be to try and use it as a way to monitor symptoms. Small sensors
in the computer could measure eye and head movement and alert users if they
start to exhibit more symptoms so they can either take more medication or get
to a safe place before more of their symptoms return and render them immobile.
More information: