Wrist-worn actigraphy in agitated late-stage dementia patients: A feasibility study on digital inclusion.

Abstract

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. 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 4weeks. Wearing time was extracted to evaluate compliance, and factors influencing compliance were explored. 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 (F1.240, 33.475=8.075, p=0.005) were less compliant. Female participants were also marginally less compliant (F1, 26=3.790, p=0.062). 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.