Remote patient monitoring (RPM) for Alzheimer’s disease has emerged as a valuable tool in managing and monitoring Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. RPM offers a range of benefits that enhance patient care, support caregivers, and provide timely interventions. In this blog post, we explore how RPM can be utilized for monitoring Alzheimer’s disease care and the different Alzheimer’s monitoring devices available.
Alzheimer’s Disease Overview
In 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans had Alzheimer’s. That number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes.
Identifying and monitoring Alzheimer’s disease symptoms is crucial for effective management. Alzheimer’s manifests through various signs and symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, changes in mood or behavior, and challenges in performing daily tasks. As a result, the disease poses significant challenges for patients and caregivers, necessitating innovative solutions to improve care and support.
Aging in Place for Alzheimer’s Patients With Telehealth
Telehealth technology has revolutionized Alzheimer’s care by enabling patients to age in place. In addition, it reduces the need for frequent in-person doctor visits. Virtual visits create a familiar environment, preventing anxiety, confusion, and agitation for Alzheimer’s patients.
Furthermore, telehealth and remote patient monitoring bridge geographical gaps, connecting patients with Alzheimer’s specialists regardless of location. Remote patient monitoring ensures patient safety by securely collecting real-time vital sign data with FDA-cleared RPM devices. Cellular or Bluetooth technology allows that 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 accordingly. 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 avenues 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.
Increased accessibility leads to earlier diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Additionally, telemedicine supports a multidisciplinary treatment approach, enhances personalized care based on patients’ and families’ needs and preferences, and considers cultural, ethnic, and racial diversities.
In addition, patients and caregivers report high satisfaction rates and increased convenience. Telemedicine also supports caregivers, connection to community resources, patient and caregiver education, and increased access to clinical trials. Furthermore, it can reduce costs, eliminate unnecessary transportation, and lower 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, including Alzheimer’s monitoring devices such as wearables, environmental sensors, video monitoring, and medication management.
Remote patient monitoring can help to ease the burden on Alzheimer’s caregivers and healthcare teams. A systematic review revealed that remote interventions used at home for rural and non-rural caregiver populations significantly improved the caregivers’ psychological health and quality of life. RPM and telehealth save travel costs for caregivers of patients who need 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 closely monitor patients, 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, improving patient monitoring and enhancing support for caregivers. 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.
