Monitoring skin electrical activity to predict behavioral outbursts in dementia patients
Objective Assessment of Behavioral Associations of Patients With Dementia
This study is testing if monitoring skin electrical activity can help caregivers spot warning signs of behavioral outbursts in people with dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Bedford, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT02617056 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to monitor the electrical activity of the skin in patients with dementia to identify potential warning signs of behavioral disturbances, such as combativeness. By measuring electrodermal activity (EDA), the researchers hope to determine if increased sympathetic tone can predict these outbursts, allowing for timely preventive interventions. The study involves using a small, noninvasive device worn on the wrist, ankle, or arm to continuously assess EDA patterns. If successful, this approach could enhance the ability to care for dementia patients at home by reducing the need for institutionalization.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients admitted to the dementia unit at the Bedford VAMC.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to cooperate with electrodermal measurements will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enable caregivers to anticipate and prevent behavioral outbursts in dementia patients, improving their quality of life and allowing them to remain at home longer.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using EDA to predict behavioral disturbances is well-studied, this specific application in dementia patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * any patient admitted to dementia unit at Bedford VAMC Exclusion Criteria: * inability to cooperate with electrodermal measurements
Where this trial is running
Bedford, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA — Bedford, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Frank Greco, MD PhD — VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA
- Study coordinator: Frank Greco, MD PhD
- Email: Frank.Greco2@va.gov
- Phone: (781) 687-3265
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.