Now, imagine if these problems could be tackled and solved
in one go. Imagine that the way to do this is through one simple telephone
call? This is the exciting prospect currently being developed by Dr Max Little
and his team (Parkinson’s Voice Initiative). Parkinson’s disease manifests as a
disorder primarily of movement, including rigidity, stiffness and tremor.
Evidence suggests that the majority of Parkinson’s sufferers develop rigidity,
stiffness and tremor of the vocal cord, thereby effecting speech production. Dr
Little has shown that severity and progression of the disease can be traced
through the effect on the voice. This has huge potential!
The basis of the test is to record your voice saying
“ahhhhhhh" and sophisticated computer analysis is able to differentiate
between healthy individuals and Parkinson’s sufferers. In laboratory conditions
with good quality recordings the test has an accuracy of 99%. Yes, 99%!
Currently, Dr Little and his team are testing their system
on ordinary landlines and mobile networks and the results are pending. If the
data shows a comparable accuracy and the confounding factors of taking
recordings in the “real world” can be ironed out, this system could be used to
test millions of people very cheaply. For example, it is possible that when
people reach, say, 55 they could have their voice recorded over the phone to
see if they are showing signs of the disease. Intervention could therefore be
earlier to preserve motor function and improve quality of life. This could
change the process of diagnosing and treating Parkinson’s forever.
If you want to know more or get involved see http://www.parkinsonsvoice.org/
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