Develops an automatic mobility aid for people with Parkinson’s disease.
One of the disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease are gait blocks (FOG). A pathology that does not respond to treatments and deteriorates the quality of life of those affected and their families. FOG is highly related to cognitive disorders and can also affect speech.
Dr. Angels Bayés, neurologist and Director of the Parkinson’s Unit, is leading research that seeks to improve these gait blocks with sensory cues. “We have developed an automatic mobility assistance system (SAM) for Parkinson’s sufferers: a sensor to detect motor status and a sensory stimulation device (DESA),” explains Dr. Bayés, a member of Top Doctors.
This research aims to improve FOG detection algorithms, assess changes in blockades and quality of life using the SAM and DESA. To detect subtypes of Parkinson’s patients with cognitive disorders and who respond to the system.
The expected results are to use the mobility aid system to reduce the duration of gait blocks and verbal fluency. In other words, to improve the quality of life of the Parkinson’s patient.
This project has been granted for 3 years by La Marató de TV3 Foundation, chosen among 147 projects. The evaluation has been managed by the Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya and 98 international experts in neurodegenerative diseases have participated.