Smart-meter data could help identify dementia, report finds

A report has shown a potential link between changes in energy usage and conditions such as dementia and depression.

Residents of a retirement home in Stratford upon Avon who have been diagnosed with dementia (AFP via Getty Images)

Energy use patterns from smart meter data could be used to help identify whether people are suffering from conditions such as dementia and depression, a new report has shown.

Changes in daily energy usage could, in the future, give vital clues to gradual and sometimes unseen changes in people's behaviour caused by these illnesses, if the user consents.

Increased energy use in late evenings or at night could indicate ‘sundowning’ syndrome, which is often a sign of progression from early stages of Alzheimer's to more serious deterioration.

And were unusual behaviour detected, an alert could automatically be sent to family members, care workers or doctors.

This would allow them to detect and respond to possible health issues at an earlier stage, potentially alleviating pressure on the social and healthcare systems.

The report, produced by 2020health and commissioned by Smart Energy GB, indicates the developments could help the NHS to improve care for people living with health conditions, making it easier for them to live independently in their homes for longer.

Julia Manning, director of 2020health and a member of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Digital Health Council said: “Our ageing society indicates a future of much greater healthcare need.

“Smart-meter technology could prove useful in making it easier and safer for people with conditions, such as dementia, to live independently in their homes for longer.”

There are currently 850,000 people already living with dementia in the UK and that number is expected to grow to 1.6 million by 2040.

In just a few years, data from smart meters could be used to help provide better care and potentially reduce the £26 billion a year currently spent supporting sufferers, a third of which is money spent by people with dementia and their families.

Football icon, Sir Geoff Hurst, who works closely with Alzheimer’s charities, said: “Dementia is a condition which is very close to my heart as many of my former teammates have suffered with it.

“Back in the 1960s, no one really spoke about dementia or other degenerative diseases, and there was little awareness."

Arlene Phillips CBE, who has had her own experience caring for her father when he had dementia, said: “It’s so hard to detect the signs when you don’t live with your relatives.

Radiator with thermostat  (Getty Images)

“I found out that my father would often leave the hob on overnight — not only was this a symptom of Alzheimer’s developing, it was also dangerous.

“Had this technology been around when I was looking after my father, it would have greatly helped me understand what was happening with him.”

It is not only neurodegenerative diseases which remote health and care technology could detect as there is evidence that smart meters will present a unique opportunity to gain insights into cases of fuel poverty, neglect and unhealthy living conditions.

SWNS