The use of technology in caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease-related agitation is highly acceptable and easy to use, according to a recent study.

In a recent study, researchers examined the acceptability of technology use in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease-related agitation and their caregivers. The study included 26 participants aged 56 to 88 years, who recorded Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores of five to 28. The researchers assessed the acceptability of technology utilization, including wearables, electronic form data completion and submission, sleep monitoring, and real-time agitation episode collection.

The results of the study showed that technology use was highly acceptable across all four metrics. Participants reported high ease of use for technology setup and maintenance, with mean scores of four and 4.1, respectively, on a scale of one to five. Technology troubleshooting and user experience also received favorable scores, with a mean score of 3.5. The overall mean score across all participants and all four technology aspects was 3.8.

Importantly, the study found no correlation between the level of patients’ cognitive status, caregivers’ burden, age, and education with the level of technology burden. This suggests that technology can be easily integrated into the caregiving process for individuals with Alzheimer’s-related agitation, regardless of their cognitive abilities or the caregiver’s level of burden.

The use of technology in caregiving has the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of clinical research studies. Mobile technologies and wearables can passively and continuously collect data, providing valuable insights into the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and the effectiveness of interventions. However, technological challenges can arise for both participants and their caregivers. The findings of this study indicate that technology can be successfully implemented in caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer’s-related agitation, offering a promising avenue for future research and intervention development.

Overall, the study highlights the positive impact of technology in caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer’s-related agitation. The high acceptability and ease of use of technology suggest that it can be a valuable tool in improving the quality of care and enhancing the well-being of both patients and caregivers. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to explore its potential in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.