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Student creates device to help Parkinson’s patients use the toilet

Shared by Ana Duarte on 2019-05-16 17:55

About the solution

“When I was taking care of my grandpa, I realised there were many things that he had trouble doing in his daily life, so he became more dependent on family members. One of his biggest problems was going to the bathroom. And this was something I wanted to change because for people with Parkinson’s, especially when they have an urgent need to sit down and use the toilet, the act of turning around can be difficult and cause injury”, she explained.

So, with the help of her teacher (whose mother also struggles with Parkinson’s disease), she invented Libue - a device that eliminates the need for patients to turn around, bend and sit on the toilet. Libue allows patients to adopt a straddling position and also features a bidet function to promote proper hygiene after use. The device also includes LED buttons so that patients can use safely at night.

Emily won the James Dyson Award and now hopes to introduce her design to the government, for use in hospitals.

“One of the biggest problems in Hong Kong is that a lot of product designers like to focus on aesthetics. They don’t try to tackle other problems. It would be great if more people start [focusing on ergonomics], to raise awareness. More designers may start thinking about health care products”, she said.

Adapted from: https://bit.ly/2Ef6h65

More info: http://emilytangstudio.com/project/libue/
https://vimeo.com/134544936

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Emily Tang, born in 1994, in Hong Kong, was a college student when she developed Libue, in 2017, a toilet design that can be used by both Parkinson’s disease patients and their family members. She was inspired by her grandfather.

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Comments (4)

  • WesTunrbull20 • Thu, 01/07/2021 - 11:18

    I stopped the Parkinson's medications prescribed due to severe side effects and started on natural treatments from VineHealth Clinic (VHC) in California, the herbal treatment has made a tremendous difference for me. My symptoms all disappeared after the months long treatment! Go to ww w. vinehealthclinic. c om. This treatment is simply amazing!  

  • kristinesmeltzer • Tue, 01/11/2022 - 12:07

    My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 67. His symptoms were shuffling of feet, slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of handwriting, horrible driving skills, and his right arm is held at 45 degree angle. He was placed on Sinemet for 7 months and then Sifrol and rotigotine were introduced which replaced the Sinemet but he had to stop due to side effects. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, I quit my meds due to side effects. Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic Parkinson’s herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle. My husband has recovered significantly! Visit kycuyuhealthclinic. co m

  • melissaabbaez • Thu, 05/08/2025 - 08:29

    My partner was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost 5 years ago. His disease has progressed significantly in the past year, and he begun to have delusions. He also had side effects from carbidopa/levodopa, which we decided to stop, and our primary physician decided he should start on PD-5 formula 4 months ago. He now sleeps soundly, works out frequently, and is now very active since we started him on the PD-5 formula. It doesn’t make the Parkinson’s disease go away, but it did give him a better quality of life. We got the treatment from uinehealthcentre. com

  • melissaabbaez • Sat, 12/06/2025 - 06:42

    I was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 67. Symptoms were tremor in right leg, loss of handwriting ability,My normally beautiful cursive writing was now small cramped printing and soft voice. I also had difficulty rising from a seated position and have balance issues. I started out taking only Azilect, then Mirapex, and then Sinemet. Several months ago I started falling frequently, hence the reason for Sinemet. During the summer of 2021, I was introduced to Limitless Herbs Center and their effective PD-5 herbal protocol. This protocol relieved symptoms significantly, even better than the medications I was given. After First month on treatment, my tremors mysterious stopped, had improvement walking. After I completed the treatment, all symptoms were gone. I live a more productive life. I was fortunate to have the loving support of my husband and family. I make it a point to appreciate every day! Visit their website Llimitlesshealthcenter. com

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