Research call-out: Can Alexa Help Improve Speech in Parkinson’s?
Feb. 28, 2025
Researchers at Monash University are investigating whether Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant can support speech improvement in people with Parkinson’s. If you have Parkinson’s and either regularly use Alexa or have never used it but are open to trying it, your participation could make a difference.
About the Study
This research aims to determine if Alexa’s voice assistant technology (VAT) can help people with Parkinson’s improve their speech volume and clarity. By providing external prompts and allowing multiple attempts in a stress-free environment, Alexa may encourage clearer speech. The findings will offer insights into whether smart speakers can be an effective tool for speech practice and guide future research.
Who Can Participate?
The research team is looking for individuals who:
- Have Parkinson’s disease and are living in Melbourne.
- Have used an Alexa smart speaker for at least a year or have never used Alexa but are willing to try it for one month.
What’s Involved?
- Attend a session at Monash University for an interview and assessments.
- Share data related to your Alexa usage (further details about this can be found in the explanatory statement).
Why Participate?
- Contribute to cutting-edge research on voice technology and Parkinson’s.
- Help researchers understand how smart speakers impact speech in People with Parkinson’s.
- Receive reimbursement for your time.
To learn more and express interest in participating, click the link below: