Cueing DeviceJessica Hoffman, Meghan Olson, Rosalie Shaw{

Our Inspiration

70-78% of those with Parkinson’s have sialorrhea

Decreased muscle control

Not due to excess saliva Due to a build up of saliva

Drooling

Degenerative disease of the brain

Kills dopamine producing nerve cells

Decreased muscle control

Background

The Product

Vibrations

Reminders

Timing

Cueing

Over 50 years of age

Designed for certain extremes

Face large medical expenses

User Demographics

Constant reminder

Eliminate drooling

Easy to put on and take off

Inconspicuous

Limited/simple interface

Empowering

Product/Usability Goals

Slap Bracelet

Soft Silicon

Accelerometer

Powered by movement

Usability

Process – Putting it on

Process – Taking it off

Light Blue

Lightweight

Wide band

Aesthetics

Handkerchief

Anticholinergic Drugs

NH004

Behavioral/Physical Therapy

Current Market

Steel Bracelet

Silicone Coating

Accelerometer

Eccentric Weight

Motor

Computer Chip

Components

Cost

Component Approximate Cost

Accelerometer $2.00-$3.00

Vibration Motor $1.00-$3.50

Computer Chip $1.00-$15.00

Silicone Band/Coating

$0.15

Stainless Steel (inner band)

$0.64

Capacitor $0.05

TOTAL . $4.84 - $22.34

Steel: extrude

Components: solder onto the steel

Silicone: injection molded around the steel and components

Manufacturing

Other power supplies Thermo electrics Quartz Crystal

Closer to the skin

Future Iterations

Faces of Parkinson’s

Design for the extreme? The extreme of who can use it, not

those with very severe Parkinson’s. Drooling isn’t as much of an

embarrassment for those people, as they aren’t socializing.

Appendix 1

Kate Kelsall Shake, Rattle, and Roll Blogger

Appendix 2

Mary SpremulliVoice Aerobics™ LLC

Appendix 3

Medications to boost dopamine Serious side effects Effectiveness on patient decreases over

time Botox to dry up saliva Surgery – not a cure

Deep Brain Stimulation Very expensive

Physical Therapy Recommended for all, can reduce tremors

**all very costly!

Standard Treatments

Appendix 4

Tactile feedback technology that takes advantage of a user's sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.

Haptic technology (haptics)

Appendix 5

Procedure Advantages Disadvantages

Levodopa Drug Combinations

Non-invasive

Rigidity and bradykinesia dramatically improved

Eventually loses effectiveness after prolonged use

Levodopa-induced motor complications arise

Pallidotomy

 

 

Immediate Effects. Can improve levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Improves bradykinesia and rigidity.

Risk of hemorrhage, irreversible procedure. Long term results unknown. Safety of bilateral procedure undefined.

Thalamotomy Same as pallidotomy, but targeted for the improvement of tremor

Risk of hemorrhage, irreversible procedure. Bilateral procedure can cause speech problems.

Tissue implants Reduction or possible discontinuation of levodopa use.

Long term results are unknown. Risk of infection and rejection.

Chronic Pallidal/ Thalamic Stimulation (implantable electrodes)

Immediate improvement. Bilateral stimulation possible. Reversible procedure.

Long term results are unknown. Batteries must be replaced. Not yet covered by health insurance.

Appendix 6: Treatment and Therapy comparison[1]

Appendix 7: Living with Parkinson’s: User NeedsBasic needs for daily living activitiesBalance problems (propensity to fall)Motor fluctuations (postural hypotension and confusion)

Postural hypotension – difficulties controlling blood pressure as a direct result of the disease, or as a side effect of medication

Minimize effects via fitting elastic stockings, raising head end of the bed

Erratic motor controlSpontaneous agitation, anxiety, and depression (often result of medications)

Hallucinations, occasionallyDementia effects up to 25% of persons in the later stages of Parkinson’s

Speech difficulties (affect ability to communicate)Need to be able to communicate to caregivers and friends, otherwise loose the will to communicate and socializeMuscle rigidity interferes with facial expression, can lead to lack of body language

May cause the individual to be perceived as disinterested or showing a lack of understanding, when they are really just unable to show their emotions via body language

Difficulty with movement and mobilityMay be at risk of pressure sores

Isolation and lonelinesslose social contacts because of mobility problems or their embarrassment because of tremor, loss of facial expression, or other features of the disease

Appendix 8: Determing the Aesthetic

Appendix 9: Why they drool

In the later stages of Parkinson’s disease, the muscles used in swallowing may work less efficiently and lead to difficulties with swallowing and chewing. In these cases, food and saliva may collect in the mouth and back of the throat, which can result in choking or drooling; these problems also may make it difficult to get adequate nutrition.  Since speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, and dieticians can often help with these problems, our team consulted with Mary Spremulli, a medical speech pathologist and a licensed nurse and President of Voice Aerobics™ LLC, based in South West Florida.

Appendix 10: Silicone

- remarkably stable polymer - moisture/water-resistant material - low moisture absorption. - excellent stress relief capacities - can withstand a significant amount of stress and wear. - highly resistant to the damaging effects of age, sunlight, moisture, and chemical exposure.