Actigraphy For Alzheimers

By Barry T. Peterson, Ph.D., Sr. Mgr., Philips Respironics Clinical Affairs

Actigraphy is the measurement of motion to monitor daily activity and sleep patterns and is usually performed with miniature accelerometers. An actigraphy device is typically worn for several days or weeks on a person’s wrist or hip. Motion patterns may be displayed as an actogram that shows daily activity and rest periods. The motion data can be analyzed to provide a variety of objective endpoints about circadian patterns, the level of activity, and nighttime movements. Actigraphy has been used in multiple studies on various disease states.

Alzheimer’s disease is a cognitive impairment, but it can manifest itself in many detrimental ways including alterations in daytime activity levels, sleep quality, and awake/sleep patterns. Read how actigraphy can provide important data when studying patients with Alzheimer's disease.