A Gait and Path Tortuosity System for Monitoring Cognitive Decline from Daily Functions in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and/or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)

Innovative Design Labs, Inc., Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract Proposed is a sensing system that unobtrusively measures and reports gait properties which are correlated to accepted measures of cognitive decline. Significance: It is estimated that as of 2018 over 5.7 million Americans are afflicted with AD. Due to the aging demographics, this number is projected to double by 2050 at an estimated annual direct cost of $1.1 trillion. Measures of cognitive decline can help to inform family members, caregivers, and health-care providers about the functional status and needs of independent-living older individuals. The need to improve the assessment of cognitive changes affecting daily functions has been identified by the NIH and National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Many ADLs such as shopping, housecleaning, and bathing are difficult to objectively measure. Measuring these ADLs is generally manually intensive often requiring direct supervision by a caregiver. The changing demographics of the elderly mean now more elderly adults will no longer have the frequent interaction with caregivers required to accurately make these measures. Hypothesis: A system capable of measuring and reporting gait parameters which are correlated to accepted measures of cognitive decline can decrease caregivers' burden and increase quality of life for individuals with AD. Specific Aims: To prove the feasibility of the proposed system in Phase I IDL will 1) Generate user- centric requirements through focus group discussions; 2) Develop prototype system electronics and mechanical packaging; 3) Perform laboratory study of prototype functionality; and 4) Evaluate prototype performance through pilot human study. The overall Phase I effort will demonstrate the ability of the proposed system to accurately measure requisite gait measures and demonstrate the usability of the system by the target population.