Assistive Devices for Parkinson's Disease

Assistive devices can help people who have Parkinson's disease manage their symptoms and remain ambulatory. Rolling walkers, specialized canes and wrist weights can all aid physical functioning.

Parkinson’s Disease

• Parkinson’s disease causes physical tremors, balance issues and difficulties with walking, causing a need for assistive devices, according to the Parkinsons & Movement Disorders Center of Maryland.

Rolling Walkers

• Rolling walkers help Parkinson’s disease patients overcome balance problems so they can walk safely. The wheels allow the patient to move forward without constantly repositioning the walker.

Stepover Wand and Other Canes

• Canes can add stability for Parkinson’s sufferers. A cane called a stepover wand includes a colored marker near its base, showing patients how high to lift their feet.

Wrist Weights

• Parkinson’s patients exhibiting hand tremors can sometimes find relief from this condition by applying wrist weights to the affected limbs, reducing the tremor to a manageable level.

Resistance

• Despite the benefits offered by assistive devices, many Parkinson’s patients refuse or resist the use of such devices until they have no further option because they do not wish to advertise their illness’s progression, according to the Center of Neurologic Study.