NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, advancements in treatment have provided patients with some relief from the symptoms. New Mexico Frontiers, students in northern New Mexico are tackling treatment inspired by research at Standford University.
It’s a big day for Española resident Eduardo Zambrano. He’s at Northern New Mexico College, waiting for a potentially life-changing technology developed by the most unlikely of engineers.
Eduardo was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about ten years ago. He said it began to present itself with a stooped posture and rigid muscles, just two of the numerous symptoms caused by the disease.
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The common cold has three symptoms while Parkinson’s has 22. Those include changes in speech and writing, difficulty in blinking, smiling, or walking as well as slowed movement. One of the most common symptoms is tremors.
Dr. Steve Cox is an associated professor of engineering at the college, who has worked closely with the facility at Española Valley High School and students with their MESA program.
About a year and a half ago, a colleague whose husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s came to Dr. Cox with a question after seeing a story on The Today Show about an experimental glove developed at Standford University.
Since then, students from Española Valley High have been working side by side with undergraduate students in engineering.
Their work today is to fit Eduardo with their version of the Parkinson’s glove, a wearable device that delivers random, low-level vibrations to the fingertips, which according to research being done at Standford can alleviate some symptoms of the disease.
The Steady Hands program is linking the older generation with the younger and giving the younger generation an investment in their elders.
After a dozen of prototypes, Eduardo has his new set of gloves. Also, a newfound albeit temporary relief from the debilitating disease. Steady Hands has gone on to win numerous awards for their work, including one of the coveted New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge awards.
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