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From Parkinsons.org.uk
20th September 2024
The BeechBand, designed by Carl Beech, is a wearable device showing promising signs of being able to manage symptoms including speech issues, anxiety and gait.
Our investment will help refine Carl's device and allow it to be tested with the Parkinson's community. The simple wristband, which uses a tapping sensation, may benefit people with other conditions too, including essential tremor, Tourettes, and anxiety.
If the feedback from people who test the device is positive, this could inspire research to investigate how it could improve symptoms and if it can be developed further as a therapeutic device.
A low-cost and accessible device
Carl Beech said:
"I discovered a tapping method that wasn’t a typical 'cue' used in Parkinson’s for speech and gait. It corrected a stammer I was told could not be resolved other than by speaking more slowly and it freed my voice up completely without making me sound robotic. My friend, and now business partner, Nick Whiteley, made the first ever BeechBand to mimic the tap using vibrations and pulse and it worked!
"Since then we have seen it impact other symptoms in Parkinson’s in addition to speech, as well as in some other chronic conditions. It will be super low cost and accessible, with no need for apps or smart tech.
"As a business, giving to charities is also a core aim. We cannot express enough how grateful we are to have the backing of Parkinson’s UK at the start of this journey. Tests of our prototypes have seen lives change and people get their voices back and more. Working together, we can progress much needed research and further development into the device, and help as many people as we can."
Giving back to charity
In addition to the backing from Parkinson’s UK, Carl and Nick have pledged that at least 25% of profits from the sale of the bands will be shared between 4 charities: Parkinson’s UK, Cure Parkinson’s, Spotlight YOPD and The Freedom and Justice Partnership.
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said:
"Someone with Parkinson’s will experience any unique combination of up to 40 symptoms, making the search for new ways to help manage the condition complex. The innovation and ingenuity of the community, those living with their own personal blend of symptoms every day, never ceases to amaze me.
"We’re delighted to be partnering with Carl and Nick as they develop The BeechBand further. While not among the most recognisable symptoms of the condition, problems with speech can have a real impact on someone’s confidence, which is why it’s so exciting to see the BeechBand’s potential, both for those with Parkinson’s, and maybe even others.