By 2025, Taiwan will become a super-aged society, with the number of Alzheimer's disease patients continuing to rise. However, the vast majority of dementia patients experience "behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia" (BPSD), such as circadian rhythm disruptions and sleep disorders, which are not only difficult to assess accurately but also lack safe and effective treatments. If "wearable devices" can be accepted by elderly dementia patients, they may bring groundbreaking changes to both assessment and treatment approaches. This project builds upon previous research and outcomes funded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the Ministry of Education, and the UK Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK). Over four years, the project will begin by exploring "digital inclusivity" to validate the feasibility of research-grade actigraphy devices for dementia patients in Taiwan and establish a prototype research platform for wearable devices for these patients. Subsequently, in collaboration with Harvard University, the project will conduct a double-blind, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of wearable photobiomodulation (PBM) devices in improving sleep, circadian rhythm disturbances, and other BPSD, as well as assess the user experience of integrating these two devices into a "digital therapy" model for both patients and caregivers. Finally, the project will integrate wearable device data, patient clinical symptoms, and longitudinal results from four years of tracking the latest Alzheimer's blood-based biomarkers. In collaboration with Europe's largest remote dementia care team, RADAR-AD, the project will analyze potential digital phenotypes of dementia, explore the interactions among circadian rhythm disturbances, cognitive decline rates, and biomarkers, and establish a three-dimensional assessment model for dementia patients encompassing "clinical symptoms (both cognitive and non-cognitive)," "lifestyle and functionality," and "biological markers." This innovative approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding and treatment of dementia.
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Sleep
Timeframe: 8 weeks post-treatment
Dr Ta-Wei Guu Consultant psychiatrist, MD, PhD