Digital Phenotyping for Changes in Activity at the End of Life in People With Dementia

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN · Sep 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The clinical trial titled "Digital Phenotyping for Changes in Activity at the End of Life in People With Dementia" is studying how technology can help us understand the daily activities and symptoms of individuals with dementia as they approach the end of life. Researchers will use smartwatches and a special bedside device to monitor changes in movement, sleep patterns, and signs of agitation or apathy in participants. This study is important because it aims to gather better information about how people with dementia are doing, which can help their families and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about care and support at this critical time.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be over 64 years old, have a diagnosis of dementia, and be either in the hospital for more than three days or living in a nursing home. They should also not show signs of delirium, which is a sudden change in mental status. Participants will wear a smartwatch and have their activity monitored over the course of the study, which lasts for three years. This trial aims to improve the quality of care for people with dementia and provide better guidance for families and healthcare providers during the end-of-life process.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • People with dementia or who have a likely diagnosis of dementia
• • Hospital (admitted for \>3 days)
• • Nursing home resident
• • \>64 years old
• • Score of \<4 on the 4 A's Test for Delirium (4AT) will be required for inclusion (no delirium)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • People without dementia or cognitive impairment
• • People that are considered already in a health status emergency (\< 6 weeks to live)
• • People that are not living in the nursing home