Motion Sensors and Dementia

If tracking motion can predict dementia, then you can call me institutionalized right now. I often walk in circles at home trying to remember what I was doing, or, what I need to do next.

However:

Dr. Jeffrey Kaye of Oregon Health & Science University, which is placing the monitors in 300 homes of Portland-area octogenarians as part of a $7 million federally funded project.

The goal: Shave off that time by spotting subtle changes in mobility and behavior that Alzheimer’s specialists are convinced precede the disease’s telltale memory loss.

I think this type of study is a great idea, with the right subject, to look at someone’s behavior over a period of time rather than at one doctor’s office visit.

However, it’s important to remember that all the technology in the world can’t replace an involved caregiver.