Volunteer - CUBOId: Using new technologies to measure behaviour in a home setting

CUBOId: Using new technologies to measure behaviour in a home setting

Description of Volunteering Role

Introduction to project: There is a pressing need for finding new ways of making an accurate, early diagnosis of dementia. Subtle behavioural changes may occur in people who go on to develop dementia. Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed state of the art technology (known as SPHERE) that enables us to monitor these changes in peoples’ homes. The aim of the CUBOId project is to determine whether this home sensor technology can be used to identify early behaviour patterns that may suggest a diagnosis of cognitive decline or dementia.

What you will do: We are aiming for the SPHERE system to collect data over a period of 12 months and we will compare this with conventional memory tests that are done in the clinic. The data are collected in three ways:

1. A wristband to collect data about daily movements.

2. Sensors are installed around the home to collect data about daily activities, such as electricity/water use and cooking.

3. Silhouette sensors to collect data about behaviour around the home, such as looking for misplaced items. These are installed only in communal areas.

Volunteers Required: We are looking for participants aged 50 and over who have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease.

Location of the project, whether travel expenses will be paid:

The SPHERE system is installed in the home and the memory tests are done at the Bristol Brain Centre, Southmead Hospital. We also invite participants with a diagnosis of MCI to have an MRI scan and an amyloid PET scan in Cardiff. We reimburse all travel expenses.