If you’re app-y and you know it

When the iPhone first launched in 2007, it created a global sensation and triggered an explosion in the development of software applications that could work on smartphones - commonly known as 'apps'.

Now, 3 years on, it seems there's an app for just about everything – from growing your own fruit and veg, to reading the daily newspaper.

American blogger Karl Robb recently wrote about apps that can help people with Parkinson's, listing several that could assist with speech and sleep.

A browse of iTunes shows hundreds of apps available to provide health and fitness advice. There are also medication trackers, which remind you when to take medication and highlight any missed doses. It seems there really is an app for everything.

And it doesn't stop there. If you're interested in clinical trials, you can try the Parkinson's Drug Trials app. It claims to have the most up-to-date, comprehensive database of clinical trials. Searchable by location, it provides information on the purpose of the trial, eligibility and contact details, all available from your smartphone.

For professionals working with people with Parkinson's there are Parkinson's i-pocketcards providing essential information from diagnosis to treatments, as well as a huge range of apps for nurses, GPs and physiotherapists.

What apps would make your life easier? Have you used any apps to help you manage your condition or to help you treat a person with Parkinson's? Let us know.

And if you'd like to find out about research studies in the UK looking for people with Parkinson's to take part, visit our research pages or email research@parkinsons.org.uk