Device helps detect dementia in early stages

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

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The device can aid researchers in monitoring seniors.

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Researchers at USF have come up with a device that detects dementia early on.

The device is part of new technology USF assistant professor Dr. William Kearns developed.

"The device we're using is actually this bracelet, and it's a small transponder," Kearns said. "It actually uses technology akin to radar. "

The radio-frequency bracelet can track movement within inches, but it isn't your typical transponder -- it's actually used to monitor abnormal movements and wandering to predict early stages of dementia.

Seven residents at Shady Palms Retirement Homes in Tampa started using the tracking device a few months ago. Robert Bennett, the administrator for the retirement homes, says it will help with care in the future.

"I feel it's pioneering technology that will assist, assisted living facilities and assist them taking care of the elderly," Bennett said.

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Kearns said he hopes the system will eventually serve as an early warning system for the elderly.

"As a health surveillance system, we see this as an opportunity to look for variations in people's behavior that might later indicate there's a problem," Kearns said.

And if dementia is caught early enough, it can be treated with medication.

The retirement home is simply testing out the system. USF holds the patent for it, and Kearns says it may be five years before it's ready for the market.