A Dynamic Rocking Wheelchair for Reducing Symptoms of Agitation Associated with Dementia and Delirium in Elderly Patients

Akinloye-Brown, Kai Ajayi Dyese

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Overview

Year:: 2021
Contributor:: Akinloye-Brown, Kai Ajayi Dyese (creator); Gray, Dr. Marissa (Reader); Kofron, Dr. Celinda (Reader); Gonsher, Ian (Reader); Brown University. Biology and Medicine: Biomedical Engineering (sponsor)
Genre:: theses
Subject:: Dementia--Patients--Care
Extent:: vi, 66 p.

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Description

Abstract:: Agitation is a symptom of restlessness and overt behavior in individuals due to a variety of psychological, psychiatric, and medical conditions. The symptoms are seen most in the elderly who have suffered, or are suffering from cancer, delirium, dementia, multiple organ failure, stroke, brain injury and in general symptoms associated with progressive aging. There have also been reports of drug induced agitation in the elderly due to side effects from pharmacological treatments. The 65 and older United States population consists of 16% with 11% - 42% having prevalence of delirium and 11% having dementia or Alzheimer’s diseases and this percentage (16%) is projected to nearly double (23%) by 2060. Thus, there is a demand to supply a tool that can calm the mind, moderate symptoms of agitation, increase comfort to the recipient (as well as others surrounding the care), alleviate pain, and divert the attention of the elderly to bring them to a state of calmness. To meet this need, this thesis aims to prototype and test an automatic rocking wheelchair to soothe and comfort elderly patients, suffering from agitation as a symptom due to delirium and dementia in palliative care settings. In addition to the solution of an automatic rocking system, speakers for music therapy, increased trunk support and non-toxic durable fabrics for daily use and easy maintenance will also be incorporated into the wheelchair. The increase in comfort levels was achieved by inputting gel-based memory foam, changing the structure of a regular wheelchair, repetitive motion, and musical therapy.
Notes:: Thesis (Sc. M.)--Brown University, 2021

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Citation

Akinloye-Brown, Kai Ajayi Dyese, "A Dynamic Rocking Wheelchair for Reducing Symptoms of Agitation Associated with Dementia and Delirium in Elderly Patients" (2021). Biomedical Engineering Theses and Dissertations. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:ab64qv5w/

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Biomedical Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations for the Biomedical Engineering department.
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