Parkinson's UK and Our Mobile Health have teamed up to give hope to those fighting the condition
Thousands of people with Parkinson’s will be able to better manage their symptoms thanks to mobile technology.
A revolutionary apps and devices library has been launched by Parkinson’s UK and Our Mobile Health.
In a first of its kind, Tried and Tested offers technological solutions for managing Parkinson’s symptoms, including speech problems, drooling and freezing.
So far seven apps and devices have been approved for the library, and more will follow.
Each app and device goes through a rigorous independent review process used by Our Mobile Health to identify trustworthy digital health tools, before going into real-life testing by those living with Parkinson’s, a condition that affects 145,000 people in the UK.
All the tools featured in the library are designed to help people with Parkinson’s with everyday life. Parkinson’s can affect the voice – leaving some people barely audible - so the library features an app that records volume, pitch and speed of speech, with the results easily shareable with health professionals.
The library also features an app called Swallow Prompt to help prevent drooling, something many people with Parkinson’s can face due to difficulties with swallowing.
People can now also try recommended and reviewed apps to help them get some rest, as difficulty sleeping is a common problem for many living with Parkinson’s.
Tried and Tested is being spearheaded by Emma Lawton who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 29. With her determined attitude to living well with Parkinson’s, Emma is always looking for new solutions and technology to help her live life to the full including taking part in the BBC’s Big Life Fix where technology experts invented a device that enabled her to draw again for the first time in years.
Lawton said: “Parkinson’s symptoms can make everyday tasks like getting dressed or making a cup of tea feel impossible, and that’s where technology has a massive role to play.
“Parkinson’s UK’s helpline was increasingly being asked whether apps and devices, that people had seen or heard about, could help with their symptoms.
“We wanted to provide consistent advice on this area with real conviction, as Parkinson’s UK should have a strong voice in this rapidly growing area. That’s why we created the library, to help provide the right advice and guide people to apps and devices that are safe and effective to use.”
The charity now plans to grow the library, both by reviewing existing apps and devices but also by encouraging new designs from developers.
Julie Dodd, director of digital transformation and communication at Parkinson’s UK said: “With more than 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s and no new treatments for more than 50 years, there are still gaps in Parkinson’s treatment that we know technology can help us to address.
“Ultimately we want to see people being referred to the library alongside their medication. And we hope that other charities will follow, to create a network of libraries that can benefit people living with many different conditions.”
