Remote patient monitoring (RPM) for Alzheimer’s disease can help measure cognitive and functional decline in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. The benefit of RPM is that it offers a real-world view of patients in their home environment. In this blog post, we explore how RPM can be utilized for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease care and the RPM devices available for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Alzheimer’s Disease Overview
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Experts suggest that number could grow to 13.8 million people by 2060.
Early identification and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms is vital to effective management. Alzheimer’s manifests with various signs and symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, changes in mood or behavior, and challenges in performing daily tasks. The disease also poses significant challenges for patients and caregivers.
Aging in Place for Alzheimer’s Patients With Telehealth
Advancements in telehealth technology are allowing many Alzheimer’s patients to age in place. Virtual visits reduce the need for frequent in-person doctor visits and create a familiar environment, which can lower anxiety, confusion, and agitation for Alzheimer’s patients.
Furthermore, telehealth with remote patient monitoring connects patients with Alzheimer’s specialists regardless of location. With RPM, patient vital sign data is securely collected with FDA-cleared RPM devices. Cellular or Bluetooth technology allows the data to be automatically transmitted to the physician’s RPM platform for analysis.
In addition, RPM enables physicians to monitor health and quickly adapt treatment plans. Telehealth platforms also assist in medication management and daily tasks, improving patients’ overall quality of life.
Monitoring for Alzheimer’s Disease and Telemedicine
Telemedicine offers several benefits for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease and enhancing care. According to a study published by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, benefits include improved effectiveness, timeliness, patient-centeredness, integrated care, efficiency, and equitability. Telemedicine enables increased access to specialized healthcare, particularly for those living in underserved remote areas.
Incorporating telemedicine allows for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Additionally, telemedicine enhances personalized care based on patients’ and families’ needs and preferences and considers cultural, ethnic, and racial diversities.
Telemedicine also supports caregivers, connection to community resources, patient and caregiver education, and increased access to clinical trials. Patients and caregivers report high satisfaction rates and increased convenience. Furthermore, it reduces costs, eliminates unnecessary transportation, and lowers the risk of infection.
Monitoring Alzheimer’s Disease and IoT Technology
Internet of Things (IoT) device technologies enable remote monitoring, communication, and support for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This section discusses various telemedicine options for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease. Some common Alzheimer’s monitoring devices include wearables, environmental sensors, video monitoring, and medication management.
Remote patient monitoring helps ease the burden on Alzheimer’s caregivers and healthcare teams. One systematic review showed that remote interventions for rural and non-rural caregiver populations significantly improved caregivers’ psychological health and quality of life. RPM and telehealth also saved travel costs for caregivers of patients needing long-term care and monitoring.
Telehealth
Telehealth facilitates remote communication between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Video conferencing or telehealth platforms enable regular check-ins, cognitive assessments, and discussions about symptoms, concerns, or care plans. These interactions allow healthcare providers to monitor patients closely, provide support, and adjust medications or treatment plans.
Wearable Devices
Physicians can use RPM devices to monitor various health metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, peak expiratory flow, blood glucose, weight, etc. Wearable devices like smartwatches or activity trackers can monitor vital parameters such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity. These insights enable healthcare providers to detect abnormalities or changes in patterns, indicating worsening symptoms or potential health risks.
Environmental Sensors
Smart home technologies equipped with environmental sensors can monitor the daily activities and routines of Alzheimer’s patients. These sensors detect movements, changes in room temperature, door openings, or water usage, providing valuable insights for caregivers or healthcare providers to identify deviations and safety concerns and offer appropriate support.
Video Monitoring
Video monitoring systems installed in patients’ living spaces enable remote observation and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease patients and their daily activities. These cameras ensure patient safety, monitor sleep patterns, and assess cognitive and functional abilities. Ethical considerations and privacy should be maintained while implementing video monitoring.
Medication Management
Remote patient monitoring for Alzheimer’s disease also assists with medication adherence through smart pillboxes or reminder systems. These medical devices alert or remind patients or caregivers when it’s time to take medication. Monitoring adherence remotely helps healthcare providers assess treatment effectiveness and intervene if necessary.
Monitoring for Alzheimer’s Disease – Key Points
Remote patient monitoring for Alzheimer’s disease can provide valuable insights, improve patient monitoring, and enhance caregiver support. While RPM should not replace regular in-person appointments, it is a tool to strengthen the monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease that enables patients to age in place. RPM can improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, ensuring they receive the specialized care they need regardless of their circumstances.
Caregivers, patients, and healthcare staff today are overwhelmed with managing healthcare. To promote patient and caregiver engagement, a remote patient monitoring experience must be secure, accurate, and easy to use. Tenovi devices and software offer the most advanced technology available to healthcare organizations. It’s time to meet a better RPM experience for patients, physicians, and, most importantly, your team. Contact Tenovi for a free demo and consultation.
