Researchers at Newcastle University, UK are investigating how Google Glass could be used to increase autonomy and improve quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease.
So far, the device will be used to issue reminders for patients to
take their medication and to contact relatives in the event of an emergency (such as a fall), and especially to try to prevent 'freezing' episodes. The glass is described to work as a hands-free smartphone, issuing alerts and making calls without requiring patients to deal with a touch-screen, something that can be extremely challenging given the motor impairments caused by Parkinson's.
If successful, this technology will provide an important addition to the management of persons with Parkinson's, a disease that is understood to be the result of both biologic and environmental factors and for which the currently available therapies include pharmaceuticals, surgery, and rehabilitation through physical and speech therapy.
The Daily Telegraph has interviewed the researchers- see a video with the interviews below:
