Objective Assessment of Behavioral Associations of Patients With Dementia

Study overview

It is generally acknowledged that patients with dementia are best cared for at home. However, outbursts of various behavioral disturbances, e.g., combativeness, appear in most cases and often necessitate institutionalization. These outbursts are often without apparent warning, which limits preventive interventions. The measurement of the electrical activity of the skin is well-studied as an indicator of stress or agitation. The investigators propose to monitor the electrical activity of skin in patients with dementia in order to determine whether any sign of agitation may occur before the outburst. If skin electrical activity gives sufficient warning, then preventive interventions may be tried. If successful, the ability to predict and prevent outbursts of behavioral disturbances will allow patients to be cared for at home for longer periods. It is the primary aim of this project to determine whether skin electrical activity gives such a warning; possible preventive measures will be the subject of future studies.

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

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Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Frank Greco, MD PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA

Study Record Dates

2025-12-31