PDS to fund vital research into assistive technology

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) has announced that it will be awarding funding of £164,000 to King's College London to investigate assistive technology and whether or not it makes a difference to the quality of life of people with the condition.

Professor Sheila Kitchen and her team are taking a positive look at how useful, safe and available such technology is and whether or not assistive technology can improve lives based on the feedback of 80 people with Parkinson's disease, as well as their carers.

These include easy grip cutlery, walking sticks, voice output communication devices, scooters and remote control hoists.

Director of research and development at the PDS Dr Kieran Breen said that the charity is keen to fund further practical research like this to assess the real value of special equipment.

He continued: "This research will help to inform people with Parkinson's, carers and professionals such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists about the range and usefulness of what assistive technology is currently available."

One in 20 people diagnosed with Parkinson's each year will be aged under 40, the PDS has revealed.

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