Parkinson’s disease: watch helps monitor condition

AN AUSTRALIAN-developed watch that can monitor and help overcome the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is being rolled out for patients around the world.

Dr Philip Berger with the new watch monitor. Picture: Tony Gough

AN AUSTRALIAN-developed watch that can monitor and help overcome the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is being rolled out for patients around the world.

The Global Kinetics Corporation device has already been taken up by 25,000 people in 17 countries, but could be set for a wider reach following the $7.75 million backing of the Australian Government’s Biomedical Translation Fund to be announced on Wednesday.

The wrist watch can monitor Parkinson’s disease symptoms and provide clinical reports to patients as well as their doctors to help plan their care.

It can also sound reminders when medication needs to be taken, as well as registering that the treatment schedule has been followed.
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Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease five years ago, Dr Berger said the watch has been invaluable. Picture: Tony Gough

To mark World Parkinson’s Day on Wednesday, the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Shake It Up Australia Foundation will collectively provide $250,000, while Parkinson’s Victoria will provide $100,000, for a global clinical trial to evaluate whether the wearable device can aid treatment.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt will announce the federal support today to accelerate the development life changing health technologies.

“The companies receiving BTF investments are modern day pioneers bringing hope to Australians suffering with diseases, disorders and allergies,” Mr Hunt said.

“Our biomedical industry is expanding, and businesses like Global Kinetics put Australia on the world stage.

“I look forward to seeing more of their products helping to improve the lives of Australians, and people around the world in the future.”

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Innovation Minister Michaelia Cash said the investment would help Global Kinetics Corporation to expand in the US in particular, the world’s largest market for medical devices.

The $500 million BTF is managed by three private sector fund managers to invest in ideas with potential for commercialisation as part of the Turnbull Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda.

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Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease five years ago, Dr Philip Berger, 70, has been wearing the watch and said it has been invaluable in recognising changes in his condition and responding with treatment sooner than may otherwise be possible.

“It is tremendously useful to know my movements are measured over a whole day, that what comes out of it is a measure of normal or abnormal nature of my movements, and that is very useful to know,” he said.

“I do not need to go and see my doctor in order for my treatment to be altered: it can be altered based this signal which opens up to a remote doctor type of approach.”