Utilizing Blink Technology for Parkinson's Disease
Blinkcns explores the complexities of Parkinson’s Disease and how the eye blink reflex technology could provide solutions using a more rapid and objective approach.
The Challenges of Parkinson's
Diagnosis and Management
Parkinson's Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. It's characterized by tremors, stiffness, slowness of movements, and balance problems. The symptoms of Parkinson's develop gradually over time and worsen as the disease progresses.
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for the management of neurological disorders, symptoms, and treatment plans. However, identifying Parkinson’s in its early stages can be quite challenging for several reasons:
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Subtle symptoms that can mimic those of other conditions; other may not manifest until the disease has progressed significantly.
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Lack of a single, definitive test. Doctors rely on a combination of clinical observation, medical history, and specialized assessments.
Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S are
diagnosed with PD each year.
The incidence of Parkinson's disease increases with age, but an estimated 4% of people with PD are diagnosed before age 50.
Nearly one million people in the U.S. are
living with Parkinson's disease. This number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.
Parkinson's is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease.
Several years can pass before Parkinson's is diagnosed, and people already live with the symptoms and restrictions during that time.
The combined direct and indirect cost of Parkinson's is estimated to be nearly $52
billion per year in the U.S. alone.
Medications alone cost an average of $2,500 a year, and therapeutic surgery can cost up to $100,000 per person.
More than 10 million people worldwide
are living with PD.
Parkinson’s patients experience a long and frustrating journey following the presentation of initial symptoms. There is a strong bibliography that supports the potential role of the blink reflex in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease.
By measuring the blink reflex, EyeStat provides an objective way to detect abnormalities in brainstem function, potentially serving as a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease in its early stage when symptoms are subtle. Additionally, the eye reflexes can be measured repeatedly, allowing healthcare professionals to monitor disease progression over time and potentially adjust brain disorder treatment plans as needed. This blink scanner is a non-invasive and objective approach to monitoring Parkinson’s disease – a game-changer that offers a potentially easier and more convenient way to analyze the blink data and track the condition compared to traditional methods.