Could Google Glass help people with Parkinson’s?

While the world has been squabbling about Glassholes, doctors have quietly been testing the potential of Google Glass in medicine. Features that may seem silly to use in a cafe or on the subway have real advantages in the doctor’s office. Hand-free control? Remote diagnosis? On-demand medical records? Check check check. Now researchers are testing how Glass could benefit patients with Parkinson’s.

The tremors that come with Parkinson’s make it different to use touchscreens. If you’ve ever typed without autocorrect (or even with autocorrect!), you know how difficult it is to manipulate those tiny keys. Now try typing with boxing gloves, which is how Parkinson’s patients often feel between doses of medication.

In a study at the Newcastle University, UK, patients also reported how Glass’s augmented reality could help with “freezing.” Parkinson’s patients sometimes feel their legs suddenly freeze and a need to focus their sight on a line in front of them. They’ll sometimes carry laser pointers for this purpose, but Glass could serve the same function. It could also deliver discrete notifications to take drugs or to swallow and prevent drooling, a common problem with lack of motor control. A hands-free device seem promising for anyone who struggles with touchscreens, be it from Parkinson’s or cerebral palsy.

by Sarah Zhang - www.gizmodo.in