Catalyst Nurolight
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Stirling
Department Name: Applied Social Science
Abstract
In the UK 45% of people with Alzheimer's experience sleep disturbances which negatively impact their quality of life. Poor sleep can compound symptoms such as memory loss, cognitive decline, and exacerbate behaviours such as agitation and aggression. Sleep disturbance can also negatively impact their care partners resulting in increased stress, depression, and burnout.
When the sleep of both people with Alzheimer's and partners is affected, remaining at home becomes more challenging and sleep disruption has been attributed as a significant contributing factor to people with Alzheimer's being admitted into care earlier than necessary. Research demonstrates that light therapy can improve sleep and reduce sleep disruption in mild Alzheimer's. Light therapy research undertaken in the home environment has also demonstrated benefits to care partners such as improved sleep duration and sleep/wake cycle.
We propose a new technology ('NuroLight') which offers light therapy, using off-the-shelf products, evidence-based research and smart technology. This aims to improve the quality of life for both the person with Alzheimer's and their partner, reduce care partner burnout, and subsequently reduce early admittance to care for the person with Alzheimer's. With more people with Alzheimer's living in the community and public spending under pressure, supporting people to live well at home is a priority.
When the sleep of both people with Alzheimer's and partners is affected, remaining at home becomes more challenging and sleep disruption has been attributed as a significant contributing factor to people with Alzheimer's being admitted into care earlier than necessary. Research demonstrates that light therapy can improve sleep and reduce sleep disruption in mild Alzheimer's. Light therapy research undertaken in the home environment has also demonstrated benefits to care partners such as improved sleep duration and sleep/wake cycle.
We propose a new technology ('NuroLight') which offers light therapy, using off-the-shelf products, evidence-based research and smart technology. This aims to improve the quality of life for both the person with Alzheimer's and their partner, reduce care partner burnout, and subsequently reduce early admittance to care for the person with Alzheimer's. With more people with Alzheimer's living in the community and public spending under pressure, supporting people to live well at home is a priority.
Organisations
| Description | To date, the award has funded attendance by the PI at 15 online investor/start-up/project reflective sessions with the Funding agent, 4 online partner meetings and 1 online one-to-one coaching session. In addition, the award has funded attendance at 2 face-to-face capacity building events with peer awardees, funding bodies and investors at ZINC's offices in London. A narrative literature review has also been undertaken to review and synthesise the research undertaken in the project field (lighting and dementia). Findings are currently being collated and written-up. |
| Exploitation Route | Dissemination of full findings (Phase 1 & 2) will be distributed at the end of the project to all participants, stakeholders and the general public. We will disseminate feedback to participants through online meetings and in written and verbal presentations following completion of the study. Additionally, we will utilise the DSDC's knowledge exchange team to prepare knowledge exchange bulletins, distributed to their existing and extensive international networks. The researchers intend to prepare publications of the findings for inclusion in peer-reviewed journals and industry bulletins. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Environment Healthcare |
| Description | We have developed new intellectual property. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Environment,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Light and dementia demonstrator |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Description | Nurolight website |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| URL | https://www.nurolight.co.uk/ |
| Title | Nurolight trademark |
| Description | We trademark registered 'Nurolight' the name of the product which we developed during this research project. |
| IP Reference | |
| Protection | Trade Mark |
| Year Protection Granted | 2023 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | We have protected the use of Nurolight. |
| Title | Nurolight app |
| Description | We developed a minimum viable product smart phone app to control off-the-shelf smart lamps (Phillips Hue, IKEA etc.) with a user interface co-designed by people living with dementia. The app is developed to technology readiness level 4 |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | We identified features of user interfaces which support people living with dementia to continue to engage with their smart apps and control their home lighting systems. Further app development is required but upon launch we hope to have developed a fully accessible app. |
| Description | Keynote speaker: UK Healthy Ageing Challenge Case Studies' 2023 International Symposium of Resilient and Sustainable Cities & The 23rd Annual General Meeting of the UK China Association of Resources and Environment' Wenzhou, CHINA |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I gave a keynote speech on behalf of the UKRI covering UK Healthy Ageing Challenge Case Studies' 2023 at the International Symposium of Resilient and Sustainable Cities & The 23rd Annual General Meeting of the UK China Association of Resources and Environment' in Wenzhou, CHINA. During this presentation I referred to this funded project. The symposium was delivered in person to an audience of approx. 250 people and was aired online for an international audience. This raised interest from professionals and academics working in the field of ageing and dementia. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/di-8G1OfqAW3I6SR0XnL5Q |
| Description | Public talk: 'UK Healthy Ageing Challenge Case Studies' 'Independent Ageing 2023 Convention', Nagoya, JAPAN |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I presented at the Independent Ageing 2023 Convention in Nagoya, JAPAN and gave an overview of the project to a live audience of approximately 150 people. I was approached by professionals and academics following the presentation, looking for more information on the project. I received interest from one angel investor, interested in investing in the project's IP. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://independent-ageing.kenes.com/ |