Digital Therapeutics in Parkinson's Disease: Practical Applications and Future Potential

J Parkinsons Dis. 2021;11(s1):S95-S101. doi: 10.3233/JPD-202407.

Abstract

Digital therapeutics, treatments delivered remotely and enabled by modern technology, facilitate the provision of personalized, evidence-based, interdisciplinary interventions to manage the complexities associated with Parkinson's disease. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for digital therapeutics has arguably never been greater. However, despite new advances in technology and a heightened interest due to the pandemic, digital therapeutics remain underdeveloped and underutilized. In this paper, we briefly review practical applications and emerging advances in digital therapeutic platforms that target motor and non-motor signs and healthy lifestyle behaviors such as regular exercise, a healthful diet and optimal sleep hygiene habits. Future applications which could transform personalized self-management and patient care are presented. Opportunities, drawbacks and barriers to access are discussed.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; digital therapeutics; mobile health; virtual coach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Mobile Applications
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Remote Consultation
  • Smartphone
  • Telemedicine / instrumentation*
  • Telemedicine / methods*