Google Glass is being tested for the first time on patients with Parkinson's disease, to see if and to what extent it can help them. British researchers say that if the results are positive, then Google Glass will also be tested on patients with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Specifically, researchers at the School of Computer Science at Newcastle University, led by Dr. John Vines, who announced the specific project at a conference (CHI 2014 – Human Factors in Computing Systems) in Canada, are collaborating with a group of Parkinson's patients aged 46 to 70.
The main research question is whether such computer glasses can help patients self-serve and maintain their autonomy, without having to resort to the help of others in the slightest.
Google Glass (which is not yet available outside the US) was offered by the American company to British scientists specifically for their research) displays various information on its lenses, "listens" to its owner's voice, and can connect to the internet.
New wearable technology, such as computer glasses, is the next step after wearable computers, with greater potential to help the daily lives of many patients. However, testing is only just beginning.
Among other things, Google's "smart" glasses remind patients to take their medications on time, swallow their saliva regularly (the muscles that control swallowing can "freeze"), or make specific movements.
If the patient is alone and falls (something common in the case of Parkinson's), thanks to the internet-connected glasses, they can connect to other computers and mobile phones. They just have to look at the glasses and someone will see their status. Alternatively, the patient can ask the glasses with their voice to call someone else.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. It usually appears after the age of 50 and affects approximately ten million people worldwide.
Its characteristic symptoms (which do not always coexist) are tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, possibly accompanied by dementia and depression.
Source: defencenet.gr
