King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Thai Red Cross Society Launch “Check PD”, Parkinsons’s Screening Application with 90% Accuracy 

King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Thai Red Cross Society have launched the “Check PD” application for Parkinson’s risk screening after statistics show that the disease rate among Thai people has increased and is found in individuals under 60 years old. The application boasts an accuracy rate of screening at 90%. Thai people, especially those 40 years and above, are encouraged to download the application to seek preventive methods or timely treatment.

The press conference was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the lobby on M Floor, Rattanawithayapat Building, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Dr. Tej Bunnag, Secretary General of the Thai Red Cross Society, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and Director of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, gave the opening remarks in the press conference. This was followed by a panel discussion by Prof. Dr. Roongroj Bhidayasiri, Director of the Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease & Related Disorders (ChulaPD), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University; Saksit Vejsupaporn, renowned musician; and Asst. Prof. (Special) Dr. Jirada Sringean, lecturer at ChulaPD, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, and a demonstration of the application “Check PD.” 

Dr. Tej Bunnag, Secretary General of the Thai Red Cross Society, explained that Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the elderly and has the highest growth rate among neurological disorders. The number of Parkinson’s patients in Southeast Asia is expected to double by 2040. In Thailand, which has become a completely aged society, said numbers are likely to increase due to factors like aging, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. In addition, early diagnosis remains challenging due to subtle initial symptoms. A shortage of neurological specialists also makes diagnosis and treatment difficult to access in some areas. As a result, many patients are diagnosed only after developing serious symptoms or reaching moderate stages, leading to more difficult and costly treatment, potential disability, and reduced quality of life. While incurable, early detection of the disease allows for effective treatment planning and prevention.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Sittipunt, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and Director of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, said that the Check PD application is an innovation that uses digital technology, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Early detection is crucial for proper treatment planning and care, in line with King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital’s strategy to create healthcare innovations, develop modern, accessible services, and improve the people’s quality of life. The app represents successful collaboration between sectors, demonstrating commitment to implementing new technologies and innovations in healthcare. It helps those at risk of Parkinson’s plan appropriate healthcare, prevention, and treatment.

Prof. Dr. Roongroj Bhidayasiri, Director of the Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease & Related Disorders (ChulaPD), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, revealed that Parkinson’s disease doesn’t show immediate symptoms but develops gradually over 10-20 years on average. The most recognizable sign is tremors. However, early warning signs like chronic constipation, sleepwalking, and acting out dreams during sleep, etc., are often seen as normal, leading to delayed medical attention. As the disease impacts balance and mobility, a patient’s daily activities become difficult. Advanced cases have difficulty moving about and require caregiver assistance. Early detection enables prevention and symptom management, as Parkinson’s is more effectively treated when caught early. 

While the elderly are the primary risk group, those over 40 are also at risk. Statistics show that Parkinson’s is inclined to affect increasingly younger patients, and, given the disease’s long progression period, early risk screening is essential for prevention and treatment to minimize severe symptoms, suggested Prof. Dr. Roongroj.  

Chula PD and the Thai Red Cross Society have developed the CHECK PD application, using digital technology, big data analytics, and AI to diagnose Parkinson’s symptoms. The application aims to help those at risk appropriately plan their healthcare, prevention, and treatment in order to achieve good and sustainable quality of life. The application allows for self-screening of Parkinson’s risk for those over 40 years old, using a 25-minute evaluation consisting of 20 questions. The evaluation includes questions as well as tests on finger movements, tremors, balance, and voice. It then responds with immediate results with 90% accuracy. The application is available on the App Store and Play Store. 

To ensure continuous operation of Check PD as a screening tool for those at risk of Parkinson’s disease and support nationwide community screening activities, advancing the public health system for patients’ ongoing treatment, the Thai Red Cross Society invites interested parties to donate to the honorary project under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Executive Vice-President of the Thai Red Cross Society. The project aims to survey people at risk of Parkinson’s disease. People can also donate 76 baht under the “Par Pop Phaet” (Parkinson’s Meet Doctor) campaign to help screen and assist Parkinson’s patients across all 76 provinces nationwide. Donations are eligible for double tax deduction.

Interested parties can make donations via bank transfer to the SCB (Thai Red Cross Society branch) account name: The Thai Red Cross Revenue Office, account number: 045-2-62588-8. After transferring, please send evidence of payment, along with name, address, phone number, and national ID number (for tax deduction) to Email: donation@redcross.or.th with the subject “Finding Parkinson’s, Helping Patients Meet Doctors.” The Thai Red Cross Society will send a receipt for tax deduction purposes. 

For donations via QR CODE e-Donation, double tax deduction is available only for the account owner. No receipt is needed as donation information is automatically sent to the Revenue Department. 

For more information, please contact the PR Department of Integrated Communication Co., Ltd., at
0-2354-3588, www.incom.co.th, or contact Ms. Usanee Thawornkarn at 8-1984-5500.
Email: usanee@incom.co.th. 

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