Continuous wearable monitor with AI to prevent agitation and delirium in hospitalized older adults
Official title: Novel Continuous Predictive Wearable Agitation Monitor and Alert Using Actigraphy and AI for Hospitalized Older Adults to Prevent Delirium and Dementia for Clinical Use and Harmonization of Research
Funded at Healthy Design, LTD. Co. · NIH-11530759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable sensor and AI system will continuously track agitation in older hospital patients to help prevent delirium and protect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Healthy Design, LTD. Co. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rutland, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,266,021 |
| NIH project number | 4R44AG097237-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11530759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults in hospital settings who are at risk for agitation and delirium and who require close monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without agitation risk or those not in hospital settings may not benefit from this monitoring approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to use actigraphy data and artificial intelligence to continuously monitor agitation levels in older, hospitalized patients. By providing real-time, reliable agitation scores, clinicians can apply non-harmful de‑escalation strategies sooner and reduce reliance on restraints and sedatives. The approach focuses on improving safety, reducing complications, and harmonizing research methods across care settings. It builds on existing observation practices but replaces intermittent checks with continuous, actionable monitoring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the system could lower delirium risk, reduce harmful restraints, and improve overall outcomes for older adults in hospital care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests continuous monitoring can improve detection of agitation, but real-time AI‑driven, clinically integrated solutions are still being proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Healthy Design, LTD. Co.
Rutland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pavini, Marie T — Healthy Design, LTD. Co.
- Study coordinator: Pavini, Marie T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.