A neurodegenerative disease that affects the nervous systemCauses tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement Can also lead to cognitive problems, such as dementia
Parkinson's disease is the world fastest-growing brain disease
Nearly 1 million people in the United States have Parkinson's disease That total is expected to grow by more than 20% in the next six years It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's
Parkinson's disease is a serious public health problem
The disease leads to thousands of deaths each year In Georgia, Parkinson's disease led to 1,168 deaths in two years That's more than nearly every other state
Smartwatches Could Aid in Parkinson's Disease Fight
Researchers conducted a 12-month study called WATCH-PDParticipants with early-stage Parkinson's disease wore smartwatches The smartwatches were able to detect changes in the participants' condition
Smartwatches can detect changes in movement
The smartwatches were able to detect decreases in arm swing motionThey could also detect increases in tremors
The study has been extended for an additional 18 months
The results of the study have been promising.The study has been extended for an additional 18 months
The study is a precedent for other diseases
The findings of the WATCH-PD study could be applied to other diseases The study is a model for how to use digital health technologies to track disease progression
The study is giving hope to patients with Parkinson's disease
The study is giving hope to patients with Parkinson's diseaseThe hope is that the study will lead to new treatments or even a cure for Parkinson's disease