A wristband that could spot delirium before it strikes?
NCT ID NCT05677646
First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether a wrist-worn sensor can identify early signs of delirium in hospitalized adults aged 65 and older. Delirium is a common and serious complication of hospitalization, and early detection is key. Participants wear a consumer-grade sensor on their wrist to track sleep, heart rate, breathing, and movement. Researchers will look for patterns that might signal the onset of delirium, potentially enabling faster intervention.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Wearable wrist sensor (consumer-grade accelerometer) to monitor vital signs and movement patterns
- What this could lead to
- If patterns are found, this could lead to a simple, non-invasive tool for early delirium detection in hospitals, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small exploratory study, so findings may not be conclusive or generalizable. Sensor data may not reliably distinguish delirium from other conditions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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47 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2022
- Finished
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Jan 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Male and female inpatients at the Department of Internal Medicine of the University Hospital Zurich and at the Institute of General Internal Medicine Klinik Hirslanden Zurich, respectively, 65 years or older and without acute delirium or previous diagnosis of it one month prior to admission are eligible for the study. Patients interested in the study will be provided with the study information sheet, detailing study aims and procedure. Patients will be enrolled if they agree to participate and provide written informed consent.
- Ages
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65 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Female and male inpatients aged 65 years or older * Cognitive ability to understand, consent to and participate in the study * Fluent in German * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * The presence of acute delirium, * or a delirium diagnosis made within the last 4 weeks prior to hospitalization, * The likelihood of an alcohol withdrawal delirium (CAGE Score \>1) * Limited knowledge of the German language * Dementia (Mini Mental Status Test Score ≤24)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Klinik Hirslanden
Zurich, Switzerland
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University Hospital Zurich, Internal Medicine
Zurich, Switzerland
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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