Wrist‐worn actigraphy in agitated late‐stage dementia patients: A feasibility study on digital inclusion

BACKGROUND Wrist‐worn actigraphy can be an objective tool to assess sleep and other behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). We investigated the feasibility of using wearable actigraphy in agitated late‐stage dementia patients. METHODS Agitated, late‐stage Alzheimer's dementia care home residents in Greater London area (n = 29; 14 females, mean age ± SD: 80.8 ± 8.2; 93.1% White) were recruited to wear an actigraphy watch for 4 weeks. Wearing time was extracted to evaluate compliance, and factors influencing compliance were explored. RESULTS A high watch‐acceptance (96.6%) and compliance rate (88.0%) was noted. Non‐compliance was not associated with age or BPSD symptomatology. However, participants with “better” cognitive function (R = 0.42, p = 0.022) and during nightshift (F1.240, 33.475 = 8.075, p = 0.005) were less compliant. Female participants were also marginally less compliant (F1, 26 = 3.790, p = 0.062). DISCUSSIONS Wrist‐worn actigraphy appears acceptable and feasible in late‐stage agitated dementia patients. Accommodating the needs of both the patients and their carers may further improve compliance.