ElliQ® Blog

How ElliQ Can Support Seniors Living With Parkinson’s

Written by Intuition Robotics Team | May 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll share: 

  • What Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is
  • How ElliQ can help
  • How ElliQ can assist with other chronic conditions

There are approximately 500,000 Americans who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Experts, however, acknowledge that many individuals go underdiagnosed and estimate that the number is approximately double

What is Parkinson’s Disease? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.”

When it comes to visualizing what Parkinson’s is, think of the game: Telephone. Your nervous system (including the brain, spinal cord, and nerve network) is a communication chain that bridges the gap of information between your brain and the rest of your body. 

With a neurotypical pre-Parkinson’s brain, if you lift your arm up, your brain gives your body instructions to the muscles to perform that movement.

When someone is living with Parkinson’s on the other hand, their brain and body do not connect from an information standpoint. This can results in symptoms like: 

  • Tremors 
  • Stiffness
  • Slowed movement
  • Sleep difficulty
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Pain 

How ElliQ can help people living with Parkinson’s disease

ElliQ is an AI-powered companion robot built for seniors to support aging in place. There are several unique features that people living with Parkinson’s disease may find helpful as they navigate various stages of the condition. 

Firstly, before discussing health-related concerns, ElliQ proactively initiates conversation and uses that information to create closer, deep relationships with each user. People can enjoy music, games, and video calls with family all in one place. 

As it relates to Parkinson’s, ElliQ can help by:

  • Maintaining a digital log of when users report pain
  • Initiating breathing exercises and guided meditation that assist with sleep
  • Prompting users with reminders for medications
  • Sharing exercises and games that can adapt to different levels of mobility

How ElliQ Supports People Living With Chronic Conditions

More than 75% of people 55 and older have at least one chronic condition, with 19% having 3 or more chronic conditions. What’s more, age increases one’s risk for a number of chronic conditions, including: 

  • Dementia (all types)
  • Heart disease
  • Type II diabetes
  • Arthritis 
  • Cancer (all types)

Although the symptoms of these conditions vary between conditions and each individual, they often result in increased social isolation, decreased exercise, and heavier reliance on multiple medications. 

How ElliQ supports people living with heart disease:

  • Record pain levels and daily weights in a digital diary
  • Medication reminders 
  • Daily stress reduction through guided meditation and breathing exercises
  • Search up and cook new and delicious heart-friendly recipes 

How ElliQ supports individuals living with Type II diabetes:

  • Reminders for doctor’s appointments
  • Record daily blood sugar/insulin levels throughout the day
  • Daily stress reduction through guided meditation and breathing exercises
  • Medication reminders 

How ElliQ supports people living with Arthritis: 

  • Record pain levels
  • Encourage users to try low intensity exercise to engage muscles with limited pain
  • Log health status including eating habits, weight, and more
  • Positive reinforcement for healthy behaviors like a walk
  • Medication reminders for medications and supplements to reduce and manage pain
  • Suggest healthy recipes that integrate vegetables, fruits, and spices with anti-inflammatory properties 

Support someone you know living with Parkinson’s disease.

Living with Parkinson’s disease can feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. ElliQ can be a friend and helpful tool to manage your loved one’s health in an engaging way. 

If your loved one would benefit from companion support that enhances your relationship, see if they qualify for a free ElliQ today