In this age of artificial intelligence,, it may not be surprising to learn that robots are putting the heat on Parkinson's Disease by providing a solution or freezing. Tremor is possibly the most popular and well-known symptom of the degenerative and chronic disease that causes loss of dopamine-producing cells and wreaks havoc on the central nervous system. You may be surprised to learn that one of the most commonly experienced symptoms is called freezing , and happens when a person with Parkinson's Disease suddenly experiences an inability to move. This not only creates balance issues, but often can happen mid-stride and result in a serious fall. 

Two research groups, one from Harvard and another from Boston University, recently collaborated on an effort to produce a wearable device that uses robotics to combat freezing. The device includes a mechanical component that provides an assistive 'push' to help overcome freezing. In preliminary studies, people who wore the robotic device completely eliminated their freezing episodes and were able to walk aster and further than without the high-tech assistant.

Read more about this amazing breakthrough: Robotic exosuit gives Parkinson's patient smoother stride. The Young Onset Parkinson's Network is excited to share that three esteemed researchers from the project will be joining us next month to chat with our members about gait dysfunction and how this new device can help. Learn how freezing of gait impacts movement and walking for people with Parkinson's Disease, explore the potential of next-generation wearable robotics to improve freezing of gait, and learn how you can provide the feedback researchers need to develop more impactful solutions. 

This event is free to all YOPN members. Register online at: Preventing Freezing of Gait using Wearable Robotics in Parkinson's Disease.