RecruitingNot ApplicableInterventional

MinderCare: translational research and digitally enabled care

MinderCare is a study exploring whether smart home technology can help people with dementia stay independent for longer. Researchers install simple, discreet sensors around your home, including movement detectors, door sensors, smart plugs, and a sleep mat. You do not need any computer skills, as the sensors work quietly in the background. The system looks for sudden changes in everyday routines, such as poorer sleep or less movement, which might signal a brewing health problem like an infection. A specialist clinical team reviews these alerts and can contact you, your family, or your doctor to offer support early. The study is open to people aged 50 and over who live at home with confirmed or suspected dementia. Researchers will compare health outcomes—such as hospital visits and time spent at home—with people receiving standard NHS care to see if this technology makes a real difference.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

100

Start

03 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2027

Dementia

What is this study about?

Living with dementia can make it harder to notice early signs of physical illness, such as a urinary infection or a chest problem. When these issues are missed, people can become unwell quickly and may need an emergency hospital stay. MinderCare is testing a new way to support people living with dementia in their own homes using passive technology.

The service uses unobtrusive sensors placed around the house. These include small sensors on doors, plugs that measure when appliances are used, and a mat placed under your mattress to track sleep patterns. There are no cameras, and you do not need to press buttons or remember to wear a device. The sensors simply observe everyday patterns to build a picture of what is normal for you.

If the system spots a noticeable change—such as getting up unusually often during the night or moving around much less during the day—an alert is sent to the MinderCare clinical team. Qualified healthcare professionals review the data. If they feel something might be wrong, they can contact you or your carer, offer practical advice, or coordinate with your local NHS GP and social care teams to step in before things get worse.

By comparing participants with people receiving usual NHS care, the researchers want to find out whether this digital support helps people stay healthier, reduces hospital admissions, and improves quality of life for families living with dementia.

Key takeaways

MinderCare tests home sensors to help spot illness early in people with dementia.
Open to people aged 50 and over living at home with confirmed or suspected dementia.
Sensors work automatically in the background without cameras, microphones, or complex gadgets.
A clinical team reviews alerts and can coordinate with your regular NHS care.
It is not an emergency response service; 999 must still be called in an emergency.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join the MinderCare study if you are 50 years of age or older and live in your own home in the community. You must have either a confirmed diagnosis of dementia or suspected dementia (for example, if a doctor has referred you to a memory clinic or prescribed dementia medicines).

You can take part whether you are able to give consent yourself or need a family member or nominated representative to agree on your behalf. You do not need to have a carer or partner living with you; people who live alone or feel isolated are warmly encouraged to join.

The study can provide translation and interpreter services if English is not your first language. However, this study is not suitable for people who live in residential care or nursing homes.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 50 years of age or older.
I live at home in the community (not in a care home).
I have confirmed dementia, or a doctor suspects I may have memory problems.
I can give consent myself, or I have a family member or representative who can help make decisions for me.
I am happy to have simple, discreet sensors placed in my home.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, the research team will visit your home to install the sensors in agreed places. You do not need to change your daily life or learn how to use any new equipment. The sensors work automatically in the background.

You and your study partner (if you have one) will complete an initial assessment with the team, followed by brief check-ins every six months and one final visit when you finish the study. These check-ins involve answering questions about your health, daily activities, and well-being. Some people may also be invited to take part in an optional interview to share what they thought of the system.

The study monitors your routines over time, and the team will look at routine NHS records to see how your health is doing over 12 months. Your standard NHS medical care and doctor appointments continue completely as normal throughout the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help detect health problems earlier, allowing you to get medical help before a small issue becomes an emergency. You will also help doctors learn how to use technology to improve dementia care for others. The sensors are non-invasive and do not record video or sound. It is important to know that MinderCare is not an emergency response alarm; if you have an urgent medical emergency, you must still call 999. Taking part is completely voluntary. You can choose to stop at any time, and doing so will not affect your ordinary NHS care or treatment.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

Will there be cameras watching me in my home?

No. The system uses simple sensors like movement detectors, door contacts, and a sleep mat. There are no cameras, microphones, or video recordings of any kind.

Do I need to know how to use computers or the internet?

No. The equipment works automatically in the background. You do not need any technical knowledge, and you do not have to remember to charge or wear any gadgets.

Is this an emergency call button or fall alarm?

No. MinderCare looks at trends over time rather than providing immediate emergency rescue. In an urgent situation or fall, you must still use your normal emergency alarms or dial 999.

Can I take part if I live by myself?

Yes. You do not need to have a family member, partner, or carer living with you to take part in this study.

Will taking part change my usual NHS appointments or medicines?

No. You will keep all your usual GP visits, hospital appointments, and medications. The study simply provides an extra layer of health monitoring.

How to find out more

Margherita Tecilla

m.tecilla@imperial.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.