Novel Technologies to Advance Sleep Research and Clinical Care for Older Adults

Abstract

Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are core features of most neuropsychiatric disorders but can also be viewed as modifiable targets to improve health, functioning, and quality of life. Older adults are at particularly high risk for the negative consequences of poor sleep due to age-related risks for insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea as well as the increased risks of pharmacotherapies for sleep.Technological advances can be harnessed to promote and improve sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances to help advance clinical care. Much work goes into the process of the development of these technologies and adapting them for improved feasibility and usability. There are specific geriatric-related considerations that cannot be overlooked relating to the disease processes and also to the adaptability of technology for use by older adults to promote their inclusion in this use.In this session, Marie Anne Gebara, M.D., will provide an overview of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) in older adults with Alzheimer's disease dementia. She will present preliminary findings from a study to develop and modify a novel wearable sleep device (RestEaze) to facilitate the diagnosis of RLS in this population. Michael Ma will present on his group's work in developing a novel app to augment cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in adults who are aging with schizophrenia. He will describe the process of developing the app to integrate with existing commercial devices and present initial beta testing findings. Stephen Smagula Ph.D. will present on his work developing a novel rest-activity rhythm assessment to improve health outcomes for older adults. He will describe the development of a novel app and pilot findings from its use in older adults with dementia and histories of stroke, depression, and daytime sleepiness. Olusola Ajilore, M.D., Ph.D., will moderate and lead a discussion of the potential for and challenges of developing innovative technologies to assess and improve sleep for older adult populations.All presenters will put their research in the context of the clinical challenges.