GPS used to track dementia patients

8 April 2009 12:16pm

Patients with dementia are being tracked with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology as part of a new trial, it has been announced.

Westminster City Council, in central London, has fitted tracking systems into the jewellery or clothes of volunteers with the early stages of the disease.

Their movements can then be monitored on a map via a secure website. The latest trial follows others around England looking at ways to keep patients with dementia safe.

A two-year trial at the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Trust was launched last month to fit 20 dementia patients with pocket GPS devices.

In 2004, Imperial College London ran a similar trial to track dementia patients with the satellite technology.

If the latest trial is a success, the technology could be introduced more widely next year.

Ed Argar, a member of Westminster City Council, said: "In Westminster we are committed to exploring new ways to improve the lives of our older people, and safer walking technologies could give more independence to those who are living with dementia.

"We are, of course, aware that this technology is no substitute for high-quality professional dementia care, but we believe it is something that can complement it.

"However, we believe this technology could play an important role in providing greater security, safety and dignity to some of Westminster's most vulnerable residents, and reassurance and peace of mind for their families and friends."

Around 700,000 people in UK have dementia and some 40% have got lost outside their homes at some time.

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