Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It’s not a single disease, but rather a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.Use of RPM in Dementia Care, RPM can be very helpful in the context of dementia, especially as the condition progresses. Key use cases include:
Health Monitoring
Vitals tracking: Monitor chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, which often co-occur with dementia.
Sleep monitors: Track sleep quality and disturbances, which are common in dementia.
Environmental sensors: Monitor temperature, light, or presence to maintain a safe environment.
Benefits: Reduces caregiver burden: Continuous monitoring provides peace of mind.
Enables early intervention: Real-time data can help healthcare providers detect and address health declines before they become emergencies.
Challenges
User friendliness: Devices must be simple, non-invasive, and easy to use for those with cognitive impairments.
Technology access: Not all individuals or caregivers have access to or familiarity with the necessary infrastructure.
Examples of RPM Devices Used in Dementia
Prorithm RPM device Monitors heart rate and oxygen saturation, with a simple interface.