Sparked Conversation at GSA 2023 with Dementia Wearables Research
In my personal research experience, people with dementia and their caregivers can be very motivated to participate in research. They want to be a part of research that will help others like them and try different programs that may help them navigate the changes in their lives.
However, participating in research can be burdensome and reliable data collection can be difficult, especially as dementia progresses and caregiving needs intensify.
With the rapid expansion of wearable technologies (e.g., smartwatches), there is increased interest in their utility for passive data collection applications in aging research that would make both participation and data collection easier for people with dementia and their caregivers. Even so, scientists may face additional challenges of conducting research with this population given their memory concerns and busy lives.
The research I presented at this year’s Gerontological Society of America annual meeting examined a host of studies focusing on wearables research with dementia populations to learn would make wearables research with this population easier. Findings are summarized in the poster and key takeaways below.
GSA attendees shared their trials and tribulations of doing wearables research with persons with dementia.
I heard about the problems of self-removal of devices, especially for folks experiencing more advanced dementia.
Some researchers chose a particular device due to a long-standing relationship with a company, even if they were having difficulties accessing the data.
Others chose a device primarily because of the data access, despite participant complaints about size/style.
I learned about the Quantified Scientist YouTuber who tests out a lot of wearables. That may come in handy!
Key takeaways
A huge motivation to enrolling and participating (for both people with dementia and caregivers) is getting to see the personal data being collected via the wearables.
Maintaining adherence, especially long-term, requires researchers employ wearables that are maximally comfortable, easy to use, have long battery life, and fit into participant routines.
Having care partner or other provider support is integral to persons with dementia remembering to wear the device, charging it, and helping put on and take off the wearable.