Neurophysiological and behavioural variables in cognitive impairment: Towards a personalised monitoring system

Abstract

The social changes and the population aging process increase the incidence of problems ranging from simple para-physiological reduction of psycho-physical and sensorial capacities to the cognitive impairment of different degrees. In this scenario, telemonitoring and telemedicine are useful tools for support, care and prevention. This paper shows how several clinical data can be acquired by personalized monitoring and used to evaluate in the follow up possible therapeutical results. Sleep modification that arises with the physiological aging process and in the presence of neurodegeneration were correlated to a dramatic reduction of the Slow Wave Sleep (SWS). These results improved the knowledge regarding the relation between sleep and wellbeing. Different ICT tools can be in perspectives considered within diagnostic and therapeutic personalized programs, i.e. Surface ElectroMyoGraphy, olfactory tests, wearable devices, sleep monitoring and metabolic characterization.