CUE1 Device, a Vibrational Therapy to Potentially Treat Parkinson Disease Symptoms: Alistair Mackett, MD

WATCH TIME: 8 minutes

"The CUE1 device utilizes vibrotactile stimulation and pulsatile cues to improve motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson. This exciting innovation in Parkinson treatment is still in its early stages, and larger trials will help determine its true impact."

Charco Neurotech’s CUE1 device combines 2 therapies, a wearable attachment method as well as a highly focused vibrotactile stimulation and cueing. The device is also accompanied by engaging digital symptom-tracking software that includes novel tools that help patients with Parkinson disease (PD) communicate data to others. The CUE1 has been granted regulatory approval in both the United Kingdom and Europe and is currently being investigated patients with PD at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. As it stands, the FDA approval for the device is pending with potential to be confirmed in the next coming months.

Recently presented at the 2023 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, held August 27-31, in Copenhagen, Denmark, findings from a case study of a 77-year-old patient with PD and rapidly progressive freezing of gait showed a sustained improvement in Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)-III scores with use of the Focused Vibrotactile Stimulation and Cueing Device (FVCD), CUE1 device, over a 4-month period.¹ Following device acclimatization, MDS-UPDRS III improved from 35 to 29 and was maintained at the 4 month follow up visit with a score of 28. Authors noted that the device could potentially be a safe adjunct treatment to improve motor symptoms in patients with PD who have a poor response to pharmacological therapy.

Lead author Alistair Mackett, MD, movement disorder specialist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and clinical assessor at Charco Neurotech, recently sat down in an interview with NeurologyLive® to provide an overview of the presentation from the meeting. He talked about how the CUE1 device works to help improve motor symptoms in patients with PD. In addition, Mackett spoke about the historical observations that inspired the development of the CUE1 device. He also shared the results of the initial trial with the CUE1 device, and the next steps for research with the device.

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REFERENCES
1. A. Mackett. Case report on the use of a High Frequency Vibrotactile Stimulation and Cueing Device over 4 months in a patient with Parkinson’s Disease and refractory symptoms [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2023; 38 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/case-report-on-the-use-of-a-high-frequency-vibrotactile-stimulation-and-cueing-device-over-4-months-in-a-patient-with-parkinsons-disease-and-refractory-symptoms/. Accessed September 14, 2023.