Experimentation of an Integrated System of Services and AAL Solutions for Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Their Caregivers in Marche: The UP-TECH Project

Abstract

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the most crucial challenges in public health today. In addition to the negative impact of AD on the patient, the effect of this disease on family caregivers also needs to be considered, as they are often deeply burdened psychologically and emotionally. Many projects have tried to exploit ambient assisted living (AAL) technologies to support AD patients and their families, but evidence is so far inconclusive. The UP-TECH project aims at investigating an integrated package of care services and AAL solutions to support family caregivers and to promote the security and the independence of the patient at home. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and includes the recruitment of 438 patient-caregiver dyads, assigned to one of the two experimental groups or to the control group. In particular, one experimental group will receive a package of case management services and assistive devices installed at home, including activity sensors and alarms. The project will assess the impact of the tested AAL solutions using validated scales at a follow-up of 12 months. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be realized in order to assess the likelihood of implementing such services on a wider scale.