Using wearable technology to monitor emotional responses in patients with frontotemporal dementia
Digital monitoring of autonomic activity to detect empathy loss in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10895560
This study is looking at how changes in your body's automatic responses can help us understand why some people with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia have trouble feeling empathy, using smartwatches to track these responses in a comfortable way.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10895560 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in autonomic nervous system activity can help understand the loss of empathy in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). By utilizing advanced wearable technology, such as smartwatches, researchers aim to measure physiological responses unobtrusively, allowing for a more accurate assessment of empathy loss. The study seeks to identify specific patterns of autonomic activity that correlate with social and emotional dysfunction in these patients. This innovative approach aims to overcome limitations of traditional measurement methods that can restrict patient movement and introduce bias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia who are experiencing symptoms of social and emotional dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or those without significant social and emotional dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of empathy loss in bvFTD, potentially improving patient care and caregiver support.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of wearable technology in monitoring autonomic activity is gaining traction, this specific application in bvFTD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RHODES, EMMA — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: RHODES, EMMA
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 below.