Identifying delirium in older patients with dementia in the emergency department

Delirium Identification in Older Patients With Alzheimer's and Other Related Dementias In the Emergency Department Using Wrist Accelerometer Biosensors and Machine Learning

Ohio State University · NCT06326424

This study is testing a wrist sensor to see if it can help doctors better identify delirium in older patients with dementia who come to the emergency room.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University (other)
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06326424 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to improve the identification of delirium in older adults with dementia who visit the emergency department. It will involve placing a wrist biosensor on patients to collect data and assess the acceptability of this method to both patients and caregivers. The study will also correlate biosensor data with established delirium assessments to enhance detection accuracy. Data will be collected during the hospital stay and through follow-up calls if necessary.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 65 and older with a known or suspected diagnosis of dementia who are expected to stay in the emergency department or hospital for more than four hours.

Not a fit: Patients who are intubated, undergoing sedation, or unable to consent without a legal representative will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better detection and management of delirium in older patients with dementia, potentially improving their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with similar approaches, but this specific integration of biosensor technology for delirium detection in dementia patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adults patients 65+ years old with a known diagnosis of dementia or medical team highly suspects or confirms dementia this visit.
* Emergency Department visit and/or hospitalization anticipated to last \>4 more hours from the time of enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intubation/mechanical ventilation
* Patients undergoing a procedure requiring sedation
* Patients who cannot consent due to cognitive impairment and do not have a legally authorized representative or caregiver present.

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Delirium, Dementia, Hospital Acquired Condition, emergency department, delirium, older adults, dementia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.