Early detection of changes for effective interventions for sundowning
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Early detection of changes in the symptoms of dementia for effective interventions in sundowning
IRAS ID
331973
Contact name
Rebekah Luff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Social Care Institute for Excellence
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
https://tinyurl.com/4dd4t68m, Funder: The Longitude Prize on Dementia, delivered by Challenge Works (a Nesta enterprise) with the Alzheimer’s Society and Innovate UK.
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Sundowning is a common symptom of dementia, characterised by changes in behaviours towards the end of the day. The person living with dementia may experience agitation, disorientation, hallucinations, and increased risk of falls. It can also contribute to carer burnout.
This project will utilise data provided by a connected care platform, which draws together information from sensors based within the home to understand daily routines and spot changes in behaviour. We will explore how this information can be used to provide insights into sundowning that could support interventions to be made by carers or care workers.
This application is not concerned with the installation of the care platform, as the technology is already being installed in the homes of people living with dementia by Anthropos, as part of the care they receive from a homecare provider. Rather we are using the data it gathers in a novel way, with a specific focus on sundowning, alongside qualitative data from people living with dementia, family carers and paid care workers. We will be using types of data that are already part of the platform, data that are currently collected by sensors but not used and will also consider additional forms of data that could be helpful to collect in future.
This is a ‘proof of concept’ project, and each individual will be treated as a case study. We are seeking to understand the experiences of people using the platform, what data are most helpful in relation to sundowning, best methods of data analysis and how information can be made simple and accessible. We will analyse the data related to a person’s habits and behaviours, alongside qualitative data to learn more about sundowning, the environmental triggers, and successful attempts to mitigate them.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0741
Date of REC Opinion
29 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion