Technology and Dementia Preconference

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Environmental Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Agitation is a common and distressing behavior in older adults with cognitive impairment.
• Environmental modifications are recommended as first-line, non-pharmacological treatments for agitation.
• The MODERATE study investigated environmental and behavioral precipitants of agitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify environmental factors that precipitate agitation in older adults with cognitive impairment.
• To assess the relationship between indoor environmental quality and agitation levels.
• To inform non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation.

Main Methods:

• Recruited older adults with cognitive impairment and their family caregivers in the Portland, Oregon area.
• Collected weekly agitation data using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory-Short Form.
• Measured indoor environmental parameters (noise, temperature, air quality) using the Awair Omni device.

Main Results:

• Noise, overall environmental quality score (Awair Score), and temperature were significantly associated with agitation levels.
• Decreasing effect sizes were observed for noise, Awair Score, and temperature.
• Data from 10 dyads were analyzed over a mean period of 52.6 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Multiple indoor environmental quality parameters are linked to agitation in people living with cognitive impairment.
• Holistic improvements in air quality and other environmental features warrant investigation.
• Environmental modifications may be a key strategy to mitigate agitation.