Wrist and ankle accelerometry: A novel method for the early detection of delirium in hospitalized patients with cognitive impairment

Principal Investigator: Nalaka S. Gooneratne
Co-Investigators: K.C. Richards, P. Gehrman
Period: 2008-2009
Funded by: University of Pennsylvania Institute on Aging, $50,000

Abstract: The major goal of this project is to determine if abnormal rest-activity patterns, such as increased activity during the nocturnal sleep period, can be used to identify a pre-delirium state in older adults with cognitive impairment during the course of their hospitalization. Detection of the pre-delirium state could then allow for earlier treatment of delirium.

Additional information is available at the University of Pennsylvania Institute on Aging website