Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
12-1-2021
Abstract
The use of self-tracking of bio-behavioral states along with prescription dosing information is increasingly popular in the care and study of many human diseases. Parkinson’s Disease is particularly amenable to such tracking, as patients live with the progressive disease for many years, increasing motivation to pursue quality of life changes through careful monitoring of symptoms and self-guided management of their medications and lifestyle choices. Through the use of digital self-tracking technologies, patients independently or in conjunction with professional medical advice are modulating their medications and behavioral regimens based on self-tracking data. Self-trackers engage in self-experimentation with their health, and more broadly, in personal digital health. This paper briefly depicts notable, recent patient accounts of self-tracking and the uses of digital health in Parkinson’s disease: those of Sara Riggare and Kevin Krejci. It also highlights important facets of a previously unreported case: Velva Walden’s care as managed jointly by her caregiver son. Key aspects of self-tracking inherent to these cases are examined and potential opportunities to advance personalized medicine through the use of digital health and self-experimentation are outlined.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Digital Health
Volume
7
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Boving, A. T., Shuster, C. L., Walls, T. A., & Brothers, T. (2021). Personal digital health in Parkinson's disease: Case histories and commentary. Digital Health, 7. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076211061925
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Comment
Aidan T. Boving is in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and the Department of Health Studies.
Coral L. Shuster and Theodore A. Walls are in the Department of Psychology.
Todd Brothers is in the Department of Pharmacy Practice