Rest-activity patterns in institutionalized Korean older adults with dementia: a pilot study

This pilot study examined rest-activity patterns and related factors in institutionalized older adults with dementia in Korea. Twelve individuals, residing in either a nursing home or an assisted living facility, participated in the study. Actigraphic measurements were collected for seven consecutive 24-hour periods to assess rest-activity patterns. The participants' demographic characteristics, cognitive function, problematic behaviors, and light exposure were also assessed. The results indicated the participants experienced sleep disturbances, including multiple awakenings at night and excessive daytime napping. Those in the nursing home had significantly more interdaily stability and less intradaily variability, with higher relative amplitude in their rest-activity rhythms, indicating more stable and stronger rest-activity rhythms than those in the assisted living facility. These findings emphasize the importance of the institutional environment in care planning to improve sleep and rest-activity rhythm for older adults with dementia.