Persistent vocalizations (PVs) are a common behavioral symptom of dementia. There are currently no known studies examining physiological measurement in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia exhibiting PVs. Measures of heart rate (HR) could provide objective evidence of a person's response to a disruption in their internal or external environment. This was a two-case observational study involving NH residents with advanced dementia. HRs were collected via a sensor belt. We found a 39-45 bpm increase in HRs in both participants when comparing a day without PVs to a day exhibiting PVs. This is the first study to demonstrate a change in HR associated with PVs and potential evidence of stress in the person in response to either an internal or external stimuli.
Keywords: (3–6) Persistent vocalizations; behavioral symptom of dementia; case study; heart rate; stress.