Empowering people with Parkinson's to live life to the fullest

Some people write poems or songs for their loved ones. I built a phone app for my husband after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, hoping to help him and myself, as his carer, to slow down the progression of his symptoms. After using PDbuddy for several weeks, I am releasing it now to other people with Parkinson’s and their families, hoping it will help them as much as it has helped us to stay in control of the disease and enjoy life to the fullest.?

Parkinson's is not a death sentence. It is a wake-up call.?

Many people with Parkinson's disease and their families can relate to the experience of receiving a devastating diagnosis from a doctor. We were told that my partner had five years before he would need assistance with mobility. He was prescribed various medications and told to come back the following year for higher doses.

The experience was brutal. The neurologist who delivered the news was dismissive and uncaring. We decided to learn more and see if there was anything we could do to slow down the progression of my partner’s symptoms. Over the next months, we delved into scientific research, consulted with neuroscientists, different neurologists, nutritionists, and physiotherapists, and most importantly, spoke with other people who have Parkinson's disease. We discovered a wealth of knowledge beyond simply taking medication. There is substantial evidence demonstrating that it is possible to stay in control of the symptoms and significantly slow down the progression of the disease.

Every person with Parkinson's is unique and requires a tailored approach, but there are common components that are worth exploring for everyone, such as supplements, physical and brain exercises, diet changes, and journaling symptoms to adjust therapies and social connections. Consistency and dedication are necessary to undertake these tasks and see results in slowing down symptom progression. That's where the idea for PDbuddy came from - my partner needed a tool to help him stay on top of his routines, learn, keep track of his medication, favourite exercises, notes and observations, and connect with other people with Parkinson's disease.

Luckily, I have been working in the technology sector for over 20 years, specialising in turning scientific research into new technology tools. The task was right up my alley!

How PDbuddy works

PDbuddy empowers people with Parkinson’s to have more control over their symptoms and is part of a wider self-care revolution. It is an easy-to-use app for anybody, irrespective of age and PD stage. I tried to make it a fun and friendly tool to help with the everyday habits and activities of people with Parkinson’s.?

PDbuddy Routines are at the heart of the app. Research shows that regular exercises (including physical, brain, voice and hands), appropriate diet, and meditation help to slow down Parkinson's progression. But we also understand how hard it is to get motivated to do this, and instead, it is easier to take a pill. Sadly, there is no magic pill to slow disease progression, so we design Routines to help with it.?

What can you do on PDbuddy:?

• Set up Pills Reminders notifications on your phone and keep records of all your meds and supplements?
• Join the PDbuddy routines recommended by dozens of neuroscientists working for decades with people with Parkinson’s.?
• Daily and Weekly competition by completing PDbuddy Routines, collecting points and comparing your progress with peers.?
• Learning what others are doing to carry on PDbuddy routines and learning from their recommendations of resources and tips.?
• Staying informed is crucial! Keeping up with news on pharmaceutical developments and medical trials, supplements, scientific research, nutrition, technology, alternative therapies and much more.?
• Keeping a journal with an easy-to-use Body and Mind checker and record each day.?
• Making friends with other PD buddies and finding an event to attend together. Users can also add interesting activities happening in their area. Chatting and making group friends on PDbuddy is also possible!?
• Carers have free access to the app. They are able to not only view the people they care profiles but also help out with setting up pills schedule, keeping up notes in the journal, networking with other carers and most importantly motivate to keep doing the routines consistently. It is a valuable tool for nurses and physicians to regularly keep an eye on their patients.?

The first two weeks are free to use all app features, and following the trial period, we ask for a small monthly or annual subscription. All incomes are used to further the development of the app. The app is free for anyone who is vulnerable and financially struggling, as well as for NHS, Canadian Medicare and any other workers of public health service worldwide, volunteers working with people with Parkinson’s and researchers.?

PDbuddy is available on the Apple store and Google Play and it can be used as a web app. PDbuddy is part of Good Vibes Technologies and other apps are under development focusing on other neuro diseases and ageing.?

Creating an app for people with Parkinson's disease has been a personal journey that has been both challenging and fulfilling. It has allowed me to combine my passion for technology with my desire to help my loved ones and others. I hope the app will continue to make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson's disease and their carers.

PD Buddy