Parkinson’s Disease and Software: The Applicability Challenge | Biomed Grid

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disease affecting over 5 million people worldwide. However, there is currently no definitive test for PD by nonspecialist clinicians, especially in the early disease stages where the symptoms may be subtle and poorly characterized. Subsequently, the lack of definitive test for early PD results in a high misdiagnosis rate (up to 25% by non-specialists) and people can have the disease for many years before being diagnosed and managed. Undoubtedly, there is a need for a more accurate, objective means of early detection, ideally one which can be used by individuals in their home setting. In addition, objective measurements of motor signs are of vital importance for monitoring and developing disease modifying therapies, particularly for the early stages of the disease when potential neuroprotective treatments could stop neurodegeneration