SBIR-STTR Award

The overall objective of this Phase 1 SBIR is to design an interactive multimedia advanced telecommunications system targeted at meeting the medical, social and psychological needs of primary and secondary caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) patients. This system will network ADRD caregivers, patients, volunteer advisors/counselors, home health agencies, social service agencies, physicians and hospitals into an "Electronic Community for Alzheimer's Caregivers" (ECAC). Our aims re 1) to develop the ECAC model and system design through evaluation of the biopsychosocial needs of patients, families, respite caregivers and front-line health providers through focus groups; 2) to enhance the "Continuously Available Medical Care" CAMC) home station for chronically ill adults which has been in development by LG&A over past two years to address the needs of ADRD caregivers and 3) to develop an experimental research design for the Phase II effort to evaluate the results of the ECAC approach to ADRD. The ECAC system will include a videoconferencing link to providers, peer support groups, a sophisticated diary module, an automated medical encounter system, an extensive multimedia educational module, and a psychological diagnostic module permitting providers to detect issues which require professional intervention.Proposed Commercial Application and Uses:The commercial potential for ECAC is substantial. A target of achieving 1% acceptance among estimated 3 million ADRD caregivers at a monthly software license fee of $25/person/month, which would be updated regularly by LG&A, would result in 9 million in annual revenues and close to one million income/year level which may be achieved in five years.

The objective is to implement an interactive multimedia and tele- communication system targeted at medical, social and psychological needs of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) caregivers and patients. The system links ADRD caregivers, patients, and others from social services to physicians and hospitals into an "Electronic Community for Alzheimer's Caregivers" (ECAC). Improved care and life quality for ADRD caregivers and patients, with potential delay in in- stitutionalization results. There are 3 aims: Improve the prototype - new features include decreasing ADRD patient agitation, and videoconferencing support from Peer Mentors. Conduct randomized field trial with 50 control and 50 experimental group families. Participants are from capitated health plans associated with a Boston area hospital. Control families receive Web TV and assistant in accessing Web educational and reference material. Experimental families receive a multimedia PC, cable modem service, and access to ECAC system of education, skill training, behavior management tools, videoconferencing of Alzheimer's Association and peer mentors, and medical care linkage. In-depth analysis of effectiveness and benefits for family caregivers. Data includes baseline assessments of caregivers and patients; feature usage; and quarterly physical, psychological and social health. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The commercial application of the work is large and growing. There are 19 million Americans today with family members having ADRD. It is the 3rd most costly disease accounting for approximately $90 billion. As the population ages the number continues to grow rapidly. More support will be needed. 5-10% of all elderly have dementia, 2/3 live at home. The ADRD caregiver is subject to more illness and needs support