Apps, devices and technology for people with Parkinson's

Being able to use a computer and the internet can open up lots of opportunities for you. You can:

• handle day-to-day correspondence through email, video calling or using speech-to-text software, which can be useful if you have problems writing by hand
• keep in touch with your friends and family, and share experiences with other people affected by Parkinson’s through online communities and social media.

A smartphone is a mobile phone that can do many of the same things a computer does, such as access the internet and emails.

Tablets are very slim, lightweight computers. Many people with Parkinson’s tell us that tablets, such as the Apple iPad, are easier to use than desktop or laptop computers because they have touchscreens, rather than a keyboard and mouse. 

'Wearable tech', such as smartwatches, can access the internet and track things like your health data or sleep patterns.

Smartphones, tablets and other devices come with apps, which are pieces of software that can be used to perform a variety of tasks you may find useful.

Voice activation

Most smartphones and tablets either have built-in features to enable voice control, or you can install an app to do the same job. You can use voice activation to help you:

• call someone in your phonebook just by saying their name
• search the internet 
• dictate text messages and emails
• open apps
• record notes as reminders or to send as messages

Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers

GPS trackers allow a nominated person, such as a partner, family member or carer, to see on a map where you are (as long as you are carrying your smartphone or tablet and are not in a signal black spot). 

Video calling

Video calling means you can see and hear the person you are talking to during a call.

Medication managers

Medication managers remind you when your medication is due. They may also let you store medical information, for example care plans or details of local healthcare professionals.

Products in research and development

If you are developing a new device, app or other technology for Parkinson’s, or conducting research that might lead to one, we can provide:

• funding through our dedicated non-drug approaches research grants scheme
• connections to potential collaborators, including researchers, healthcare professionals and people living with Parkinson’s
• support with patient and public involvement and if you are carrying out clinical research
• guidance on navigating regulatory approval processes and NHS adoption.

Launched and available products

Once products are available, we are keen to make sure that they can be discovered, understood and accessed by the Parkinson’s community.

• If your product is available directly to people living with Parkinson’s, we would like to include it in our Tech Guide catalogue and put it through our controlled community-based review process.
• If your product is available through the NHS, we can consider sharing information with our Excellence Network of healthcare professionals.

Corporate partnerships

Alongside this support for the development and success of products, we are also open to working with companies through corporate partnerships.