At just 10 years old, Gray Minot and Amelia Perez proved that you’re never too young to make a difference. These two dynamic 5th graders recently created a Parkinson’s-friendly electric toothbrush — and their thoughtful invention won 1st place in Engineering at the DeKalb County Regional Science & Engineering Fair in 2024!
Their STEM project wasn’t just about science. It was about helping real people — people like those in our Parkinson’s community — live a little easier each day.
A Toothbrush Made with Parkinson's in Mind
Gray and Amelia’s Parkinson’s toothbrush prototype was designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s who may struggle with tremors or fine motor skills. Every feature they included was chosen with care and empathy:
- 360-Degree, 3-Sided Brush Head – Makes brushing faster and easier by cleaning multiple surfaces of the teeth at once — no tricky angles required.
- Custom Hand Cuff Attachment – Helps the brush stay in place, even during involuntary movements.
- Removable Weights – Adds stability for hands that shake and can be adjusted to match the individual’s comfort and needs.
- Electric Motor – Means less scrubbing, less effort, and more control.
Gray and Amelia even noticed that existing Parkinson’s toothbrushes are often big and clunky — so they set out to make something better, something easier to use and more empowering.
Inspired by Real Challenges, Built with Real Heart
As part of their STEM Fair project at Ashford Park Elementary, Gray and Amelia set out to solve a very real problem: how to make brushing teeth easier for people living with Parkinson’s. After learning how symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow reflexes can make simple routines feel nearly impossible, they were determined to help. Their solution? A thoughtfully designed electric toothbrush that combines a 360-degree brush head, a 3-sided cleaning feature, a cuff-style hand attachment, and removable weights — all intended to increase control, comfort, and ease of use.
Their research showed that current options on the market often fall short, especially when it comes to adaptability and stability. Through hands-on experiments and testing, they discovered that their 360-degree design and weighted handle significantly improved brushing accuracy and grip during simulated tremors. Most importantly, their project concluded that with thoughtful innovation, a better toothbrush can be made — one that could truly support people with Parkinson’s in maintaining independence and oral health.
Why Parkinson’s?
“We wanted to do a project that could help people,” the girls shared. “We didn’t know a lot about Parkinson’s disease, but we wanted to learn.”
That curiosity sparked something special. With support from their teacher, they began researching the condition and brainstorming ways to help. What they came up with is more than just a great science project — it’s a tool that could truly support everyday independence for People with Parkinson’s.
From School Fair to Regional Champions
Their STEM journey started at the Ashford Park Elementary School STEM Fair, where they earned 3rd place and advanced to the DeKalb County Regional Science & Engineering Fair where their Parkinson’s Toothbrush Won First Place in Engineering!
Amelia and Gray not only built a toothbrush prototype — they also wrote a 6-page research report, built a tri-fold display, and worked through real-world design challenges. (Fun fact: their first prototype was made from clay, which turned out to be a little too messy for a toothbrush!)
Vast Interactive Supports the Center for Movement Challenges
At Vast Interactive, we love shining a light on organizations making a real difference. The Center for Movement Challenges (CFMC) in Sandy Springs, Georgia is one of them.
CFMC is a nonprofit gym and online community built for people living with Parkinson’s, MS, and other movement disorders. They offer:
In-person & virtual fitness classes
Resources for healthier living
A welcoming, supportive community where members find strength, encouragement, and joy—every day
If you or someone you know is living with a movement challenge, we encourage you to learn more: www.centerformovementchallenges.org
