SENSOR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Symptom and Environmental effects in Neurodegenerative diSease on Outdoor behaviour in the Real-world (SENSOR)
IRAS ID
302600
Contact name
Michael Hornberger
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Outdoor activities are vital for physical, cognitive, and mental health. Yet, in older age, individuals demonstrate less outdoor activity and a reduced exploration of new environments – constituting greater inactivity and a smaller life space. Moreover, recent research shows that changes in how individuals interact with outdoor environments may also be indicative of early cognitive decline that may precede clinical diagnosis of diseases that are associated with older age, such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Assessing safety measures in outdoor environments is paramount in these population groups, as evidence demonstrates a greater prevalence of going missing, fall-related injuries, and road accidents when driving in comparison with healthy older adults. Despite the importance of outdoor behaviour a healthy lifestyle, early diagnosis, and safety, there is little evidence directly measuring outdoor behaviour in ageing and cognitive impairment to date. There is also little understanding as to how particular features of the environment may influence outdoor behaviour. This research study will therefore aim to directly measure outdoor activity using sensors - such as accelerometers and global positioning systems (GPS), in combination with cognitive assessments – such as laboratory tests, and biomarkers – such as MRI, genetic screening, and blood tests, to gain insight into how cognition and environmental characteristics relate to outdoor behaviour. We will use wearable sensors e.g. (smart watches/ actigraphy) and vehicular sensors installed in participant cars to provide comprehensive data on their outdoor behaviour, which we will then relate to state-of-the-art neuropsychological tests and biomarkers during analysis. The newly gained knowledge from this study will lead to improved evidence on outdoor behaviour in healthy ageing and dementia, informing future prevention approaches and disease management recommendations.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EE/0250
Date of REC Opinion
18 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion