Emerging Wearable Technologies Enhance Multisystem Monitoring and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD), affecting nearly 90,000 people annually in the U.S., is difficult to diagnose and treat due to its variable symptoms. Wearable technologies are emerging as powerful tools for monitoring PD symptoms, both motor and nonmotor, outside clinical settings. These devices track symptom progression more effectively than traditional methods, offering real-time data on motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, gastrointestinal issues, and autonomic irregularities. For example, sensors can measure gait and tremors, while others track cognitive function and GI motility. Wearables provide objective, continuous data, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis, improved clinical trial assessments, and personalized treatment plans, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for PD patients.