Study: Biomarkers of cognition & behaviour using physiological & digital technologies

[Ellie]

Arcadian Thanks for detailed reply - we could all do with a 'Minder'. xx

[Arcadian]

Ellie I was trying not to identify myself as an anonymised participant...

The Living Lab is extremely well thought out as a functional single floor compact open plan living space, embedded with multiple movement sensors (short range radar, eyeball tracking, seating / bed sensors, 'smart floor' movement sensors, fridge / cupboard door sensors, video for gait analysis, smart plugs for using kettle / toaster etc. etc. - combined with various cognition questionnaires, EEG cap 'brainwave' monitoring and task / function analysis. Combined with wearable 'smart tech' / Internet of Things real time monitoring and extensive data analysis and interpretation.

The resources can be applied to Stroke, Dementia, MND, MS, Parkinsons, Brain Injury analysis and comparison and differentiation.

Some of the tech has a loose overlap with my original test measurement and methodology work background, so it was interesting in that aspect. To be a participant adding to the data (and understanding the wider / detailed aspect of the 'living lab' and its development was profound.

Extra bonus, the Doctor running the session had the perfect balance of professionalism, engagement, enthusiasm and empathy / sensitivity.
He took additional notes around the aspects of the diagnostic journey where there are areas where additional science / analysis may provide a positive contribution in a patient focussed direction in the future.

An extremely positive afternoon, with folk trying to improve the outcomes around illnesses that have a negative direction of travel...

[Ellie]

In parallel, the tech used has the potential to enable tech enhancements for independent living.

Sounds interesting Dan; was there anything which particularly piqued your interest? xx

[Arcadian]

The 'Living Lab' facility at Imperial College is excellently laid out and equipped, combined with an enthusiastic, but professional and empathetic post-Doc researcher involved with neurodegeneration and smart technology.

Hopefully research like this enables a future with earlier recognition of symptoms and risk and ultimately a way in on disease mitigation and management.
In parallel, the tech used has the potential to enable tech enhancements for independent living.

[Ellie]

Admin_MND Yes, that text size is better.

[John D]

Fair point, Ellie but Carer or someone could make the text larger on an iPad permanently.

[Ellie]

There are a couple of ways to enlarge text on an iPad

That's not really the issue here and any enlarging of text etc. takes keystrokes or pinching, which causes people with manual dexterity problems all sorts of frustrations.

The least that Admin_MND can do is to post in an accessible manner and to remember the physical limitations almost all of the people they serve have.

[John D]

There are a couple of ways to enlarge text on an iPad https://9to5mac.com/2013/07/31/how-t...ad-and-iphone/

[Ellie]

Admin_MND Some forum members have difficulty reading such small text and in a such a large block of text (as in the main paragraph) - perhaps you could edit the post to make it easier for your target audience to read and engage.

Thanks.

[Admin_MND]

A study of biomarkers of cognition and behaviour using physiological and digital technologies: the living lab protocol

Developing new technologies to help people with long-term diseases live in their homes for longer

People living with MND can often find it difficult to attend hospital appointments. This study is investigating the use of remote monitoring to enable lots of measurements to be taken easily from home, which could potentially replace these burdensome hospital visits. Imperial College London have created an artificial apartment, called the Living Lab. The living lab is installed with lots of new technologies to monitor people in their home while maintaining their privacy. The study will involve wearing some new smart watches and a device to measure your brain activity while you complete some simple tasks such as lying-in bed, making toast and cups of tea. It will also involve you completing a few questionnaires about health and some cognitive tasks. The implications for this study for people with MND will mean the development of new technologies that can be used to monitor health in the home. There is the added benefit that we will be able to develop more sensitive measures of health/disease progression, cognition and behaviour that will inform us if new treatments are effective for MND.

What does taking part involve?

The study will involve one 2.5 hour visit to the Sir Michael Uren Building at Imperial College’s White City campus. You will be asked to complete a pen and pencil standard cognitive assessment. You will be fitted with a couple of smart watches to track your arm movements during the study. You will then complete a few smart blood pressure readings while lying down and standing. Next you will complete a short physical performance battery, which involves a short 4 metre walk, siting and standing from a chair and simple test of your balance. You will then make some toast and a couple of cups of tea in the living lab kitchen. Finally, there are a few cognitive tasks that are completed on a computer and some questionnaires about your health and medications.

You would not need to complete all the tasks if you did not or could not complete them. You are also free to stop the study at any time.

Who can take part?

People Living with MND and older adults (65+ years old)

• Aged 16+
• Have the ability to give informed consent
• Have sufficient English to allow completion of the assessments

How can I take part?

Anyone who is interested in taking part or who would like more information please contact Dr Mark Crook-Rumsey on [email protected] or visit our website here.

Expiry: July 2023