Parkinson's Disease

The NeuraMetrix detection and monitoring digital biomarker allows Neurologists to
​​​​​​​micromanage and individualize the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease
old couple walking down bridge with young man

Parkinson’s disease requires micromanagement

More than 10 million people worldwide  are estimated to be living with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease.

PD belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which cause unintended or uncontrollable movements of the body.  The precise cause of PD is unknown, but some cases are hereditary while others are thought to occur from a combination of genetics and environmental factors that trigger the disease.  In PD, brain cells become damaged or die in the part of the brain that produces dopamine--a chemical needed to produce smooth, purposeful movement.
 
PD usually affects people around the age of 70 years but can occur earlier.  PD affects men more than women. PD is a lifelong and progressive disease, which means that symptoms slowly worsen over time. The progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease.
Parkinson's signs and symptoms may include: 
  • Tremor: Mainly at rest and described as a pill-rolling tremor in hands. Other forms of tremor are possible
  • Slowed movement (bradykinesia): Slowing of spontaneous and automatic movement that can make it difficult to perform simple tasks or rapidly perform routine movements
  • Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of the body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit the range of motion.
  • Impaired posture and balance: Impaired balance and changes in posture that can increase the risk of falls
  • Writing changes: It may become difficult to write
  • Losing the sense of smell: Common early sign of the onset of PD
Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, chewing or speaking; emotional changes; urinary problems or constipation; dementia or other cognitive problems; fatigue; and problems sleeping.

NeuraMetrix Parkinson's research study

NeuraMetrix has concluded a PD study with the Fox Trial Finder (The Michael J. Fox Foundation), and the result has been published in an article titled "NeuraMetrix Fox Trial Finder Study."

NeuraMetrix TC has a wide range of benefits

With the easy to use NeuraMetrix digital biomarker, Neurologists can::
  • Continuously assess, via the NeuraMetrix Online Dashboard, the state of the patient and conclude if the patient is:
    • Stable  - Visit is not needed
    • Somewhat unstable – Use frequent virtual meetings as the primary interaction
    • Very unstable – Meet with the patient at the clinic for further examination
  • Monitor the effect of medication changes (or other treatment changes) for an individual patient by accessing the patient’s chart a few weeks later. At that time, the Neurologist can determine if the changes had desired effect, no effect, or, at worse, adverse effects – all enabling the physician to take corrective action, if necessary.
  • Manage PD patients who are struggling with on/off periods
  • Have more frequent interaction with their patients through convenient methods such as virtual meetings, phone, email, etc.
Resulting in:
  • Better and frequent management of the disease at a lower cost
The chart below is an example of a Parkinson’s patient with well-optimized medication:
DASHBOARD: 55 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH REGULATED PARKINSON'S
Inconsistency level is a calculation of the disease state – low level indicates less or no disease. Upwards trend means the disease is progressing. Higher fluctuations mean the disease is poorly regulated.
Chart of a Parkinson’s patient with well-optimized medication
The chart below is an example of a Parkinson’s patient without optimal medication, suffering from on/off periods (treatment active or not). Lower inconsistency, healthy subjects, indicates “on” and higher indicates “off” period. Empty area in between ‘on’ and ‘off’ shows that NeuraMetrix data can distinguish between the periods.
DASHBOARD: 52 YEAR OLD MALE WITH UNREGULATED PARKINSON'S
Inconsistency level is a calculation of the disease state – low level indicates less or no disease. Upwards trend means the disease is progressing. Higher fluctuations mean the disease is poorly regulated.
Chart of a Parkinson’s patient without optimal medication, suffering from on/off periods
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"I'm more than certain data from NeuraMetrix TC can't hurt and will ultimately be useful to myself, my doctor, and hopefully, patients in the future utilizing the program."


​​​​​​​- John Smythe, Parkinson's Patient