Student Team
Science & Research
Parkinson’s Assistive Device Kit
A comprehensive science-backed initial kit designed to provide immediate support and stability for newly diagnosed EOPD patients and their caregivers.
Hand Grip Strengtheners
Roberts et al. (2015) found a clear link between weaker grip strength and more severe tremors in Parkinson's patients. Ramazzina et al. (2017) and Keogh et al. (2010) further demonstrated that improving grip strength showed clear advantages in mobility and functional performance, particularly in early-stage Parkinson's. While optimal training intensity remains an open question, the evidence consistently supports hand grip strengthening as a meaningful intervention for extending patient independence.
Button Hook Dressing Aid
Parkinson’s disease significantly impacts a patient’s ability to perform basic dressing tasks due to tremors, rigidity and reduced fine motor control. Broega et al. (2022) have shown that clothing buttons are one of the biggest problems in this area. In our held interviews, multiple participants mentioned how an assistive aid for this problem would be very welcome. Munzesheimer et al. (2025) confirm that dressing aids are, in fact, a useful assistive tool for Parkinson’s patients who still have a decent amount of motor control left. And by training how to use this aid, they can continue to use it for quite a while while their motor skills decline.
Memory Game
Cognitive decline is another major challenge for people with Parkinson’s, affecting memory, attention and overall daily functioning. Evidence shows that cognitive training can slow this decline. For example, Schmidt et al. (2021) found that cognitive training led to long‑term memory improvements in patients with mild cognitive impairment. This supports the idea that simple tools, like memory games, can help maintain cognitive abilities and offer meaningful support in the early stages of the disease. In our interviews, 2 participants called this memory game a “great idea” to help keep their minds sharp.
Weighted Pen
Writing is another challenge Parkinson’s patients face; writing is a big part of a person’s independence, and losing this ability can be quite damaging mentally. The weighted pen is widely suggested and approved by people on Reddit. Due to a lack of scientific research done, we have to look at similar research, for example, research done by Sabari et al. 2019, who showcased how weighted spoons help Parkinson’s patients eat. From our held interviews, patients mentioned: “My signature is slowly becoming a challenge for me. So something in that area would be really great”.