Citation

Kamil RJ, Bakar D, Ehrenburg M, Frankenthaler S, Wei EX, Anson E, Oh E, Agrawal Y. Alzheimers Dement. (N Y) 2018; 4: 137-140.

Affiliation

Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.trci.2018.03.001

PMID

29955657

PMCID

PMC6021553

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Falls are a significant problem among older adults with Alzheimer's disease, leading to high rates of fracture, hospitalization, and death. Tracking falls in older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment, is a clinical and research challenge.

METHODS: This prospective pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a text message program to track falls among patients with dementia. We also compared this technique with the calendar method of fall data collection.

RESULTS: There was a 96% completion rate of text messaging and 100% of calendars; however, the text-gathered data were more accurate.

DISCUSSION: A text-messaging platform to track falls shows promise in cognitively impaired individuals.

Language: en

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease; Dementia; Falls; Mobile health; Text It