Parkinson’s news: playing computer games could lessen effects

“We’re trying to apply some of the understanding we have of how the normal brain works to help improve motor control in people with Parkinson’s. “By having patients perform simple computer

based tasks we hope to be able to effectively stimulate specific parts of the brain affected by the disease. “These kinds of tests are incredibly simple and involve people making judgements

about visual spatial relationships.” Patients have been asked to perform 20 minutes of simple computer screen tasks and their movements are monitored before and after. Professor Leek

added:”Patients would look at a screen and they would be asked to make decisions such as whether a shape could be rotated to fit into a space , which is where the Tetris analogy comes in.

“If we could show that it has clinical benefits, then it is something which could be done at home on a tablet. It could be quite beneficial. Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease of the

nervous system characterised by muscle rigidity, tremor, poor balance and slow movement. Claire Bale, Head of Research Communications and Engagement at Parkinson’s UK, said yesterday:

“Parkinson’s is a condition that can affect every aspect of a person’s life – gradually taking away control of their body and reducing independence. “Two hundred years after the condition

was first recognised, people with Parkinson’s are still waiting for better treatments, including non-drug therapies, that will give them the greater control they need. “Many people with

Parkinson’s already practise non-drug therapies, such as regular physiotherapy, speech exercises and relaxation techniques, to improve movement, ease stiff muscles and become more flexible.

“These therapies can relieve symptoms that aren’t improved with the use of medication and can be beneficial for physical and emotional wellbeing. “So far, there is no conclusive evidence

that brain stimulating computer programmes can be used as an effective non-drug therapy for people with Parkinson’s. “But we are keen to see what potential there is by using emerging

technologies, such as brain training, to improve symptoms of the condition. We will be very interested in the results of this research.”