Trends
Using virtual reality to help Parkinson’s patients
Parkinson’s UK is promoting the use of virtual reality headsets to alleviate symptoms of the condition, including tremors, balance issues, and slow and stiff movements, by stimulating the body with adrenaline and dopamine. Jumping back in time Retired lecturer Keith Wilson, who was diagnosed with Pa…
Headline
Parkinson’s UK is promoting the use of virtual reality headsets to alleviate symptoms of the condition, including tremors, balance issues, and slow and stiff movements, by stimulating the body with adrenaline and dopamine. Jumping back in time Retired lecturer Keith Wilson, who…
Context
Parkinson’s UK is promoting the use of virtual reality headsets to alleviate symptoms of the condition, including tremors, balance issues, and slow and stiff movements, by stimulating the body with adrenaline and dopamine. Retired lecturer Keith Wilson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s four years ago, had the idea while on vacation in the US and repeatedly rode a rollercoaster. He found that the stimulation could be duplicated with a virtual reality headset.He thought the illness was going back in time.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
He raised £4,500 to buy 10 headsets, the only free course of its kind in the UK. Mr Wilson added that scaling up would be difficult, but the potential was huge. Also read: How virtual reality has become a much needed tech revolution for museums Janet Murphy, who took the course, concurs: “It’s a bit like going to the gym—you don’t want to go, but after you’ve been, you feel energised, especially if you keep up with the games on the headset and keep getting faster.” Also read: XR through the years: From the nausea-inducing Virtual Boy, to Apple’s era-defining Vision Pro
Key Points
- Keith Wilson, a retired lecturer with Parkinson’s, raised £4,500 to purchase 10 VR headsets and provide free weekly classes, the only of their kind in the UK.
- Parkinson’s UK has funded a £1,000 trial using virtual reality to improve energy, mood, and motivation in Parkinson’s patients, with interest from Age UK and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
