Radio Signal Sensing and Signal Processing to Monitor Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia: A Case Study

Ipsit V Vahia; Zachary Kabelac; Chen-Yu Hsu; Brent P Forester; Patrick Monette; Rose May; Katherine Hobbs; Usman Munir; Kreshnik Hoti; Dina Katabi

doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2020.02.012

Radio Signal Sensing and Signal Processing to Monitor Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia: A Case Study

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020 Aug;28(8):820-825. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.02.012. Epub 2020 Mar 8.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital (IVV, BPF, PM, RM, KH), Belmont, MA; Harvard Medical School (IVV, BPF), Boston, MA. Electronic address: ivahia@partners.org.
² Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (ZK, C-YH, UM, KH), Cambridge, MA.
³ Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital (IVV, BPF, PM, RM, KH), Belmont, MA; Harvard Medical School (IVV, BPF), Boston, MA.
⁴ Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital (IVV, BPF, PM, RM, KH), Belmont, MA.

PMID: 32245677
DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.02.012

Abstract

Objectives: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)-related behavioral symptoms (i.e. agitation and/or pacing) develop in nearly 90% of AD patients. In this N = 1 study, we provide proof-of-concept of detecting changes in movement patterns that may reflect underlying behavioral symptoms using a highly novel radio sensor and identifying environmental triggers.

Methods: The Emerald device is a Wi-Fi-like box without on-body sensors, which emits and processes radio-waves to infer patient movement, spatial location and activity. It was installed for 70 days in the room of patient 'E', exhibiting agitated behaviors.

Results: Daily motion episode aggregation revealed motor activity fluctuation throughout the data collection period which was associated with potential socio-environmental triggers. We did not detect any adverse events attributable to the use of the device.

Conclusion: This N-of-1 study suggests the Emerald device is feasible to use and can potentially yield actionable data regarding behavioral symptom management. No active or potential device risks were encountered.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; dementia, behavior symptoms; radio signal; sensors; signal processing.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Alzheimer Disease* / complications
Alzheimer Disease* / diagnosis
Alzheimer Disease* / psychology
Behavioral Symptoms / diagnosis
Behavioral Symptoms / psychology
Cognitive Dysfunction* / etiology
Cognitive Dysfunction* / psychology
Environmental Psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Monitoring, Physiologic* / instrumentation
Monitoring, Physiologic* / methods
Proof of Concept Study
Psychomotor Agitation* / diagnosis
Psychomotor Agitation* / psychology
Radio Frequency Identification Device*
Remote Sensing Technology* / instrumentation
Remote Sensing Technology* / methods