'Sensory pen' can detect early symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease may be diagnosed much sooner with the development of sensory pen technology that can identify the often subtle signs of the condition.
The system, combining sensor and computing technology and developed by a venture led by Newcastle-based MANUS Neurodynamica, requires the patient to perform a set of writing tasks, drawing activities or a combination of both.
The system records all movements of the pen as well as other parameters such as drawing pressure, plus acceleration and deceleration of movement to identify patterns that are indicative of specific kinds of neuromotor disorder.
Dr Rutger Zietsma, director of MANUS explained that there are parts of the UK where there is a one year waiting list to see a consultant neurologist and that the current ‘gold standard’ - DaTScan radiological imaging - is expensive and requires specialist training to use. DaTScan can also be a potentially unpleasant experience for patients with side effects including headaches and dizziness.
Zietsma added that the symptoms of PD are mimicked by other impairments, making accurate diagnosis difficult, even for experienced clinicians and that the error rate may be as high as 40 per cent when an assessment is being made by a trainee neurologist or GP.
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