Heads Up Parkinson
Welcome to Heads Up Parkinson, a research study dedicated to improving early detection and treatment of speech and swallowing problems in people with Parkinson's disease using a new smart device app.
This is the official site for recruitment & testing of study participants — either Parkinson’s patients (diagnosed within the past 5 years) or healthy adult volunteers (non-smokers for at least the past 5 years).
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This study is being conducted by Dr. Teresa Lever through the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
Help Impact Parkinson Disease
All it takes is a quiet room and approximately 1 hour with our mobile health app, either at our office or in the comfort of your own home - whatever is easiest for you!
WHO?
Healthy Adults
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20-85 Years old
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Non-smoker (or quit at least 5 years ago)
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No pre-existing neurologic conditions (e.g., Parkinson's, stroke, Bell's Palsy, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
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Never had a heart attack or heart surgery
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Never diagnosed with (or treated for) head or neck cancer
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No pneumonia in the past 10 years
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No swallowing problems (aside from trouble swallowing pills)
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No speech problems as an adult (it’s ok if you had a “childhood speech disorder” that no longer exists)
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Not avoiding certain foods or liquids or on an altered diet (e.g., thickened liquids, blenderized foods) due to swallowing problems
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Able to independently care for self
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Able to walk without assistance from someone else (it’s ok if you use a walker or cane)
WHY?
Patients with Parkinson's Disease
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60-85 Years old
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Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the past 5 years
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Never had a Deep Brain Stimulator to treat Parkinson’s symptoms
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Non-smokers (or quit at least 5 years ago)
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No other neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Bell’s palsy, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
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Never had a heart attack or heart surgery
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Never diagnosed with (or treated for) head or neck cancer
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No pneumonia in the past 10 years
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No prior therapy for speech and/or swallowing problems caused by Parkinson’s disease
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Not avoiding certain foods or liquids or on an altered diet (e.g., thickened liquids, blenderized foods) due to swallowing problems
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No unplanned weight loss since diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
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Able to independently care for self
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Able to walk without assistance from someone else (it’s ok if you use a walker or cane)
Early detection of subtle weakness and discoordination of the muscle essential for speaking and swallowing may allow for earlier treatment and better patient outcomes.
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A few minutes of your time can change someone's life!
WHAT?
We have developed an app to detect speech and swallowing problems early - long before they become noticeable to the patient and to others. The app measures sounds & movements during several short and simple speaking and swallowing tasks.