Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Dementia Caregiver Empowerment (BESI): A Pilot Study

Dementia is characterized by cognitive decline causing significant impairment in function. Worldwide, more than 55 million people live with dementia.1 Agitation in dementia, defined as “inappropriate verbal, vocal, or motor activity that is not explained by needs or confusion per se,”2 is part of a spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms that complicates management and affects quality of life. Agitation occurs in up to 90% of people living with dementia (PWD).3 Providing care for PWD is associated with worsening mental and physical health and increased caregiver burden.