Emma Watch The project of Microsoft
Parkinson's Disease: Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Slow movement: Parkinson's disease can cause slow movements, known as bradykinesia. This can make it difficult to perform simple tasks, such as reaching for an object or getting dressed.
Problems with balance: Parkinson's disease can also affect balance, causing falls and a shuffling gait.
Changes in speech: Some people with Parkinson's disease may also experience changes in speech, such as a monotone voice or difficulty speaking clearly.
Depression, anxiety, and mood swings: Parkinson's disease can also cause depression, anxiety, and other mood swings.
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and progression, and may not all be present in every individual with Parkinson's disease. Additionally, these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to seek a medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis.
Causes of Parkinson's Disease
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not known, but scientists believe that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some research suggests that exposure to certain toxins and chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.In addition, people with a family history of Parkinson's disease are at a higher risk of developing the condition. However, it is important to note that just because a person has a family history of Parkinson's disease, it does not mean that they will definitely develop the condition.
Where was Parkinson's disease first discovered?
Parkinson's disease was first described by British physician James Parkinson in 1817. In his seminal work, "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy," Dr. Parkinson described a condition characterized by tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. He also noted that the condition appeared to primarily affect older individuals and that it was progressive, meaning that it worsened over time.Dr. Parkinson's essay was one of the first comprehensive descriptions of the condition that would later become known as Parkinson's disease. His description of the symptoms and course of the disease helped to establish the field of neurology and paved the way for further research into the condition. Today, Parkinson's disease is recognized as a major cause of disability worldwide, and it continues to be the subject of ongoing research and investigation.
Who is more affected by this disease?
Men are slightly more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women. The exact reasons for this difference are not well understood, but it is thought to be related to differences in brain structure and function between the sexes.
Living with Parkinson's Disease
In addition, there are a number of organizations and support groups that offer information, support, and resources for people with Parkinson's disease and their families. Joining a support group can be a great way to connect with others who are facing similar challenges and to learn from their experiences.
Treatment Options for Parkinson's Disease
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are a number of treatment options available to help manage the symptoms. Such as Medications, Surgery, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy etc. In order to overcome this problem, ❝Hian Zhang❞, director of innovation at Microsoft Research in Cambridge, England, and his team developed the biomedical wearable Emma watch device. Which is named after ❝Emma Lawton ❞. Annie is a young woman with early-onset Parkinson's. Emma Lawton, a graphic designer, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013 at the age of 29. As a result, she had difficulty drawing and writing with tremors.How to growth height after 18Originally part of a BBC documentary series, Haiyan challenged Zhang to create a device that would enable Emma to perform simple tasks with her hands. Later, Zhang and Lawton met in London to learn about each other and how to help Lawton, who had Parkinson's, recover from the condition. He observes that. Zhang realized that the constant tremors were hindering Lawton's ability to work as a graphic designer. Zhang was able to understand her personal needs and envision potential technological capabilities. And set to work to meet the challenge given by the BBC. As a result she created the biomedical watch, which she named Emma Lawton. Named "Emma Watch".
How does the Emma Watch work?
Basically, Emma Watch tricks the brain. Emma Watch tells the brain that the specific part (where she is wearing the watch) is not shaking, so the brain does not try to stop that part. As a result, the sensors and hormones in the brain are converted to the other side. As a result, the hand tremors stop is.Just as there is no known cause or cure for Parkinson's, the specific mechanism of action used in the Emma Watch is not fully understood. While wearing the device, Lawton was able to see the tremors in her hands but not feel them. It is thought that the vibrations from the watch, The body sensation of tremors replaces movements controlled by a sensorimotor feedback loop, which involves the perception of body movement and position. Neurologists think that tremors in Parkinson's may be caused by a malfunction in the feedback loop where the brain is trying to overcompensate for the initial error, and all attention is diverted is. As a result, the ongoing vibration increases.Emma's watch starts vibrating, which acts as white noise, which interrupts the sensory feedback loop, preventing the brain from sensing the error and attempting additional corrections. Zhang explained to the BBC that he believes Emma's brain doesn't realize that she is wearing the watch. Hands are shaking, and so no longer trying to stop his hands from moving.
After Ima wears the watch she can write her name and make a rectangle. Ima calls her mother and says "Mom I can write my name after a long time." and introduced her mother to Emma watch.
The future of the Emma Watch
Emma Watch is still in the research stage. Microsoft CEO ❝Satya Nadella❞ hopes that this AI-powered watch will greatly benefit tremor patients in the future. However, this technology is not yet on the market, and Satya Nadella did not talk about when its commercial use will begin.Haiyan Zhang said that,
"As someone who works in technology and thinks about new kinds of things, I don't really see the impact of that on people's lives or on an individual. For me, it was so powerful to see her life made better."