Keeping track of your symptoms can be a helpful way to take charge of your health. By paying attention to things like shaking, stiffness, and slowness in your movements, you can spot any patterns or changes. This information is important for your care team and can empower you to play an active role in planning your therapies and treatments.
There are handy tech tools like smartwatches and smartphone apps that can automatically keep tabs on your symptoms, including tremors, and even detect if you’ve had a fall. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can also use paper worksheets and symptom diaries that you can download and print to create physical copies for you and your care team.
Parkinson’s Apps
More people are turning to digital tools to help manage long‑term health goals and chronic conditions. For people living with Parkinson’s, smartphones, smartwatches and apps can play a helpful role in tracking symptoms, taking your medications on time and tracking any side effects, tracking your exercise and sharing information with care partners and the health team.
These tools work best when they are used alongside your usual care. It is important to talk with your care team about what might suit your needs, help you achieve your goals and stick to your daily routines. Different apps do different things, and some may be more helpful depending on your symptoms, lifestyle or the devices you already use. An assessment by an occupational therapist can also help you choose tools that match your goals and show you how to use them confidently.
Digital tools can be useful, but they do not replace the guidance of your GP or rehabilitation specialists such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists. They are meant to support your care, not take the place of it.
Many apps collect information about your health, including symptoms, medications and activity levels. Before downloading anything, take time to read how your data will be stored, shared and protected. Costs can also add up. Some apps are free to download but may charge subscription fees, in-pp purchases or require extra devices. A small number of apps have received regulatory clearance and may need a doctor’s prescription.
There are also apps designed specifically for care partners. These can help organise routines, coordinate care and support wellbeing.
Some apps only work on certain devices, such as an iOS or android, or a particular smartwatch. We note these requirements in the descriptions.
Types of Tools You May Find
- Symptom Tracking
Apps that help you record daily symptoms, “on” and “off” times and possible triggers such as stress, sleep, diet or activity. These tools can help you notice patterns and changes over time and support more informed conversations with your care team. - Medication Reminders & Management
Apps that help you keep track of medication timing and doses. They may reduce missed doses and make it easier to share updates with your doctor. - Memory & Thinking Support
Apps with activities that focus on memory, attention and problem‑solving. These tools may help support cognitive health. - Speech & Voice Practice
Apps that guide you through voice exercises and provide feedback to help strengthen and maintain clear speech. - Exercise & Physical Therapy
Apps with exercise routines, movement tutorials and tools that track walking, balance, tremor or mobility. These can support regular physical activity and help you monitor progress. - Care Partner Tools
Apps that help care partners stay organised with shared calendars, symptom logs, safety alerts and care coordination features. These tools can support communication and help families, or “your village”, to manage daily tasks or when an unexpected situation arises.
A Note from Parkinson’s Australia
The digital tools and apps listed on this page are not endorsed or recommended by Parkinson’s Australia. We cannot determine which products are right for you. Our goal is to provide clear information so you can make informed choices as you manage Parkinson’s.
Please keep in mind that app features, availability and costs may change over time.
Links
YOPX App
The Young Onset Parkinson’s Exchange app has been developed as a go-to resource centre for all Australians living with or supporting someone with a diagnosis. Find information and news updates, get step-by-step help with NDIS and generate letters for your workplace to assist with negotiating fair hours and conditions.
Read real life stories from other people making life work for them and find support specific your age group and care status.
PANC27
We are proud to welcome all members of the Australian Parkinson’s community to Sydney in May 2027 for the country’s only national Parkinson’s conference. Visit the conference home page to learn all about what’s in store and plan your stay in Sydney. Tickets available now!
