Dementia Caregiver Empowerment Using a Cyber-socio-physical Model

Abstract

Agitation in dementia patients is characterized by several features, such as physical and verbal aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors. Such behaviors affect not only the patients, but also the caregivers’ quality of life. The onset of agitated behaviors can be unpredictable and can also be influenced by environmental factors, which presents challenges to caregivers. The work presented here is part of a research which is aimed at implementing a cyber-socio-physical model to monitor agitation epochs in persons with dementia (PWD). We present a data framework which was developed for the implementation of the cyber -socio- physical system. The data framework helps to collect, structure, extract, analyze and interpret multiple forms of qualitative and quantitative data obtained through behavioral and environmental sensors. This approach helps to conceptualize the lived context of PWD. The information acquired will be used to generate trained models to identify the patterns of agitation associated with the environmental factors. It will also be used to develop a monitoring and dashboard system which sends real time notifications to caregivers and healthcare providers. The research outcome will provide cost effective technology to reduce or prevent agitation in dementia.