New device could help with side effects for Parkinson’s patients

Scientists have created an algorithm which can detect a side effect of Parkinson’s treatment that causes involuntary jerking movements.

Prolonged exposure to the dopamine replacement drugs can lead to dyskinesia, causing involuntary jerking and spasms of the whole body.

Heriot-Watt University academics have conducted clinical studies that prove their algorithm reliably detects the condition.

The motor features of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremor, postural instability and a general slowing of movement, are caused by a lack of dopamine.

Clinicians treat this through replacement drugs such as levodopa, but prolonged exposure to the substances can lead to dyskinesia.

Around 90% of patients treated with dopamine replacement drugs over 10 years reporting symptoms, but the exact cause of the condition is unknown.

Academics are now using their study to develop a new home monitoring device for patients.

Dr Michael Lones, associate professor of computer science at Heriot-Watt, said: “The problem is that, as Parkinson’s disease worsens over time, the dose required to treat the motor features increases, which increases the risk of inducing dyskinesia.

“Patients don’t see their clinicians that frequently so it’s very difficult for clinicians to know when dyskinesia is occurring.

“A better solution would be a portable device that identifies and monitors dyskinesia while patients are at home, broadcasting data to their clinicians.”

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