Oral levodopa is the gold standard medication for improving the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, which affects about 1% of people older than age 60. The drug's effectiveness wanes in most patients after a few years, however, so routine monitoring of motor skills and cognitive function is critical.are rarely seen by a neurologist or specialist, if at all.
Researchers collected data for 1 year from 1-2 devices placed in the homes of 34 patients with PD and 16 healthy participants. Using machine-learning algorithms, investigators analyzed more than 200,000 gait speed measurements. Researchers also found that annual gait speed declined nearly twice as fast in individuals with PD as in those without the disorder . Gait measurements also lined up with medication usage; gait speed improved soon after a patient took their medication and declined as the medication began to wear off.