Highlights
- •A noncontact sensor device may help to identify behavioral symptoms of dementia.
- •In this case report, the device transmitted 96.2% of data with no adverse events.
- •Device data, in tandem with caregiver report, revealed an association between changes in patterns of motion and socio environmental triggers.
Abstract
Objectives
Alzheimer's Disease (AD)-related behavioral symptoms (i.e. agitation and/or pacing)
develop in nearly 90% of AD patients. In this N = 1 study, we provide proof-of-concept
of detecting changes in movement patterns that may reflect underlying behavioral symptoms
using a highly novel radio sensor and identifying environmental triggers.
Methods
The Emerald device is a Wi-Fi-like box without on-body sensors, which emits and processes
radio-waves to infer patient movement, spatial location and activity. It was installed
for 70 days in the room of patient ‘E’, exhibiting agitated behaviors.
Results
Daily motion episode aggregation revealed motor activity fluctuation throughout the
data collection period which was associated with potential socio-environmental triggers.
We did not detect any adverse events attributable to the use of the device.
Conclusion
This N-of-1 study suggests the Emerald device is feasible to use and can potentially
yield actionable data regarding behavioral symptom management. No active or potential
device risks were encountered.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 07, 2020
Accepted:
February 28,
2020
Received in revised form:
February 27,
2020
Received:
November 7,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.
