Founded in 2016
Quantification of neurological disease
Wearable technology
Digital phenotyping
Our goal is to develop ways of accurately measuring neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Our approach
Most medical conditions can be rapidly and objectively quantified using standard equipment. However, the 'gold standard' measure of many brain diseases is still a clinical rating scale, a system of points assigned by an observer based on their impression of the person's condition. Such scales show significant inter-observer variability, and they are also nonlinear, limiting the statistical analyses that can be applied to them.
Our approach is to precisely measure abnormalities of movement and its control using neuropshysiological biomarkers. Eye movements have proved to be a particularly rich source of information because they can be evaluated quickly and reliably with equipment that is portable and therefore usable in a clinic setting. We are also developing methods of measurement using both manual and cognitive tests, and have shown that these can be sensitive enough to detect dysfunction in Parkinson's disease even in its very early stages.
Research studies
Read about our Oxford QUantification In Parkinsonism study (OxQUIP).
Art & Neuroscience
This project brings together artists, neuroscientists, patients and public. It explores connections between disciplines and facilitates understanding of neurological conditions from various perspectives.
© James Fitzgerald