In Italy, it’s estimated that over 1.2 million people suffer from dementia, with 60-70 percent of these cases being Alzheimer’s. World Alzheimer’s Day, celebrated on September 21st each year, is dedicated to raising awareness about this disease.
Beyond the lengthy journey towards finding an effective treatment and the slow but steady progress in pharmacological research, the issue of caregiving for individuals who are considered fragile—those with mild or significant cognitive decline—cannot be ignored. These conditions have a devastating impact not only on the patients themselves but also, by extension, on their caregivers and family members.
Two of the most common phenomena associated with cognitive decline, whether due to primary or secondary dementia, are wandering and pacing—repetitive, goal-less activity. In both cases, the patient requires continuous supervision, akin to having a guardian angel who can prevent potentially dangerous situations (e.g., wandering off in a disoriented state) and monitor their movements discreetly but consistently.
Personalized 24/7 care services should be implemented to ensure these patients receive safety, technological support, and help in maintaining an active connection with their family members. Where memory fails, an automatic daily log based on location and shared with caregivers can serve as a tool for conversation, exchanging impressions and emotions, and rekindling memories (such as a garden walk, physiotherapy, meals, or events in the common room).
Tracking movements, areas where the patient lingers, and the duration and nature of these activities provides important data on the progression of the disease, offering medical and caregiving staff reliable information about the patient’s overall well-being and condition. This scientific approach to treatment should also focus on preserving any remaining abilities.
Focusing on each patient with “Angel Care” technology can truly make a difference, both in monitoring and protecting those with dementia and in helping family members stay connected with their loved ones. This is the challenge: to protect and maintain daily connections with family members, even when the patient must spend more or less time in specialized care facilities. While we hope that a cure will eventually come, we know it will take years. In the meantime, we must make the best use of technology to protect those who have cared for us, without isolating them. We all wish we could dedicate our entire day to caregiving, but this is neither sustainable nor healthy for the patient or caregiver, and it exposes the loved one to unacceptable risks.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is a tremendous act of love, but the disease must be monitored and managed by professionals. Care for the fragile is an obstacle-ridden journey where facility staff and family members need to form a strong alliance. We believe that increased use of e-health tools can serve as a constructive bridge between families and care facilities, providing a means to ensure a more serene experience for our loved ones in healthcare settings.
