From theory to application: Wireless monitoring of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases in our ageing population in recent time have been a deep concern for the medical practitioners. Neurodegeneration is the cause of progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including neural death. Many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson´s, Alzheimer´s, and Huntington´s occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes. Human gait impairment is one of the indicators of the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. We propose to use a noninvasive technique to wirelessly monitor patients suffering from neural disorders. Our system using Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) can be deployed in the patient´s residence and can be used for the early detection of gait impairment that may be a precursor to other neural diseases. We have also employed force sensors to determine the changes in the gait of patients suffering from Parkinson´s. The RSSI measurements combined with the force data would enable us to effectively monitor patients with Parkinson´s.