Using technology to monitor activity and symptoms in dementia patients at the end of life
Digital Phenotyping for Changes in Activity at the End of Life in People With Dementia: an Observational Trial Based on Sensing Technology
University of Bergen · NCT06032091
This study is trying to see how using smart technology can help track the daily activities and symptoms of older dementia patients living in nursing homes as they approach the end of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bergen (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bergen, Vestland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06032091 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to utilize digital phenotyping to assess changes in activity and symptoms in individuals with dementia during their end-of-life phase. By employing sensing technologies such as smartwatches and radar installations, the study will gather objective data on participants' activities, apathy, agitation, and sleep disturbances. Participants, aged over 64 and residing in nursing homes, will be monitored continuously for up to 12 weeks, especially if there is a significant change in their health status. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of the needs of dementia patients who may struggle to communicate during this critical time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged over 64 with a diagnosis of dementia who are residents of nursing homes.
Not a fit: Patients without dementia or those in a critical health status emergency may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved end-of-life care for dementia patients by providing objective insights into their activity levels and symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of digital tools in dementia care is emerging, this specific approach focusing on end-of-life monitoring is relatively novel and has limited prior validation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * People with dementia or who have a likely diagnosis of dementia * Hospital (admitted for \>3 days) * Nursing home resident * \>64 years old * 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
Where this trial is running
Bergen, Vestland
- Bergen Røde Kors Sykehjem AS — Bergen, Vestland, Norway (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Monica Patrascu, Eng, PhD — University of Bergen, Center for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, Neuro-SysMed Center
- Study coordinator: Lydia Dawn Boyle, MSc, DPT
- Email: lydia.boyle@uib.no
- Phone: +4740518081
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.
Conditions: Dementia, end-of-life care