The arrival of Google Glass raises hope for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. These glasses, which offer more possibilities than a smartphone, could improve the daily lives of patients. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that results in a progressive loss of autonomy (tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness, difficulty in writing, speaking, etc.). Equipped with these glasses, patients could maintain relative independence.
Messages would scroll before their eyes when, for example, they have to swallow their saliva or take their medication.
Totally imaginary scenario? No way. Researchers at Newcastle University have already been able to test the benefits of Google Glass on a handful of patients aged 46 to 70 suffering from Parkinson’s.
Greater self-confidence
Ken Booth, a 56-year-old American, had the chance to test a Google glass prototype designed to meet certain needs of Parkinson’s patients. He gives his feelings to the Telegraph: “It’s simply fantastic”, he exults. The potential for Parkinson’s patients like me is limitless.” When asked what he liked most about his glasses, he answered without hesitation: “self-confidence”. “When your legs lock up and stop working and your body is still active, you lean forward and risk falling”, he explains. The equipment connected to an Internet network makes it possible to warn caregivers by voice command in case of need, such as for example a fall.
Google glasses also make life easier for patients to follow their treatment. “Some medications are taken every two hours, others during meals, still others with water,” says Lynn Tearse, 46, another experienced worker. The lenses of the glasses send alerts when it’s time to take the medicine.
These advances remain for the time being in the state of research. But they could see the light of day in the near future.