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New Google glasses offer hope for Parkinson's sufferers [Western Daily Press (UK)](Western Daily Press (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) With more than 120,000 people suffering from Parkinson's disease in the UK, researchers have begun to trial a wearable computer in a bid to help those with the incurable condition. Experts at Newcastle University are investigating the benefits that Google Glass could have on people with the neurological illness. Developed by Google, and currently only available in the United States, it works like a hands-free smartphone displaying information on the lens of the Glass. Working with a group of Parkinson's volunteers aged between 46- 70 years, the study found it could help them retain their independence for longer. Partners Lynn Tearse, 46, and Ken Booth, 56, from County Durham, were some of the first volunteers to try out Glass as part of the trial. Mr Booth, who was first diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991, said: "They're just fantastic. The potential for someone with Parkinson's is endless. For me the biggest benefit was confidence. When you freeze your legs stop working but your body carries on moving forward and it's easy to fall. Because Glass is connected to the internet you can link it to computers and mobile phones. "So if you're alone you just have to look through the Glass and carers, friends or relatives will be able to see exactly where you are and come and get you. Or you just tell it to call someone and it rings them." Ms Tearse, who was diagnosed in 2008, said: "People would probably say you can do all these things on a smartphone but actually, with Parkinson's, negotiating a touch screen is really difficult. "It's not just the tremor. During a 'down time' when the medication is starting to wear off and you're waiting for the next lot to kick in it can be like trying to do everything wearing a pair of boxing gloves. Your movements are very slow and your body won't do what you want it to." Led by Dr John Vines, PhD student Roisin McNaney and Dr Ivan Poliakov, the results will be presented later this month. "Glass opens up a new space for exploring the design and development of wearable systems," said Dr Vines. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |