Abstract

BACKGROUND: Wrist-worn actigraphy can be an objective tool to assess sleep and other behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). We investigated the feasibility of using wearable actigraphy in agitated late-stage dementia patients.

METHODS: Agitated, late-stage Alzheimer's dementia care home residents in Greater London area (n = 29; 14 females, mean age ± SD: 80.8 ± 8.2; 93.1% White) were recruited to wear an actigraphy watch for 4 weeks. Wearing time was extracted to evaluate compliance, and factors influencing compliance were explored.

RESULTS: A high watch-acceptance (96.6%) and compliance rate (88.0%) was noted. Non-compliance was not associated with age or BPSD symptomatology. However, participants with "better" cognitive function (R = 0.42, p = 0.022) and during nightshift (F 1.240, 33.475 = 8.075, p = 0.005) were less compliant. Female participants were also marginally less compliant (F 1, 26 = 3.790, p = 0.062).

DISCUSSIONS: Wrist-worn actigraphy appears acceptable and feasible in late-stage agitated dementia patients. Accommodating the needs of both the patients and their carers may further improve compliance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3211-3218
Number of pages8
JournalAlzheimer's & Dementia
Volume20
Issue number5
Early online date18 Mar 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2024

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