Day: May 8, 2012

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, marked by increasing movement-related disability, including tremor and bradykinesia, impaired balance and coordination, and cognitive changes. Clinically, functional disability arises from both motor and non-motor symptoms. It affects up to 1 million people in the United States and up to 5 million worldwide. The prevalence of PD increases with age. Using the Parkinson’s care team in the neurology department at a major university hospital as a use case, this analysis considers the role that technology can play to increase access, improve outcomes and lower cost for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.