Technology to keep dementia patients out of hospital

Sensors small enough to fit in the ear, robotic devices and sleep monitors could all become standard technology in the homes of people with dementia, scientists say.

The idea is to keep people safe and independent in their own homes, rather than needing to go to hospital.

Scientists, engineers and doctors are working to develop the technology at Imperial College London.

They say much of it is affordable and "could be usable in five years".

Some of the technology already exists, but researchers at the new Care Research & Technology Centre in London now want to extend it and tailor it for use by dementia patients in their daily lives.

They are looking at developing an EEG (electroencephalogram) device which fits in the ear to monitor fluctuations in brain activity and using radar technology to track people's movements in their own home.

The aim is for sensors around the home to pick up changes in patients' behaviour which could put them at risk of being admitted to hospital, such as a change in walking pattern that could lead to a fall, or an increase in body temperature which could suggest an infection.

Sensors and devices worn at home can monitor heart rate, blood pressure and brain activity, while tracking sleep activity.

The technology can then alert doctors or nurses at an early stage if there are any potential problems.

Trevor Truman, whose wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, tested some of the technology as part of a trial in his own home.

Blood pressure readings from a sensor indicated his wife needed to see a GP.

"When we visited the GP, we were able to take my wife's data with us - using the app on my tablet - giving our GP an instant overview of her health and recent history.

"New medication was prescribed that day.

"It was quick, efficient and effective for us."

At one point, Mr Truman had up to 20 separate sensors or devices gathering data in his house - some monitored sleep patterns, room temperature or unusual movements. Others monitored weight, body temperature and hydration levels.

Prof David Sharp, neurologist and head of the technology centre, which is part of the UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, said the new technologies would improve support for people in their homes, while also improving understanding of how dementia progresses.

"They will allow us to intervene at an early stage, to prevent crises that so often lead to hospital stays, or a move to a care home."

There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this is forecast to rise to 2 million people by 2051.

One in four hospital beds is occupied by someone with dementia - and 20% of these admissions were due to preventable causes, he said.

Every six months, 50 people with dementia and their carers will be asked to test the technology in their own homes by the University of Surrey.

The ultimate aim is to create "healthy homes" for people with dementia to live in using the technology.

Although it is not known how the technology will be funded, scientists said some elements would be free, like memory apps, and some sensors could costs as little as £10.

Payam Barnaghi, professor of machine intelligence at the University of Surrey, said: "Doctors will be able to have confidence in their ability to monitor people remotely and to react quickly to any worrying changes.

"Improving the quality of life of people with dementia is crucial to their and their families' overall wellbeing."