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 |