Decoding Death and Dying in People With Dementia by Digital Thanotyping

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN · May 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The clinical trial titled "Decoding Death and Dying in People With Dementia by Digital Thanotyping" aims to improve how healthcare professionals recognize when someone with dementia is nearing the end of life. This study focuses on residents of nursing homes who are over 64 years old and have been diagnosed with dementia, ensuring they do not have acute confusion (delirium). By using advanced technology like sensors and assessments, the researchers seek to gather information about the pain and symptoms experienced by these individuals. Their goal is to develop new tools that can more accurately predict the "point of no return," which is when a person is considered to be in the dying process.

Participants in this trial can expect to be closely monitored using wearable devices that track various symptoms, such as pain and changes in behavior. The study is currently recruiting participants, and those who join will help in creating better ways to identify and manage the end-of-life experience for people with dementia. This research is important as it aims to enhance understanding and care for a vulnerable group, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals at the end stages of dementia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Nursing home resident
• • \>64 years old
• • People with dementia or who have a likely diagnosis of dementia
• • 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
• • People without informed/presumed consent