Senior Solutions | Mar 16, 2007
Is an implantable microchip the answer for helping Alzheimer patients who can’t speak for themselves?
What if your relative who suffers from Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia is in need of medical attention and can’t remember vital medical information? In an emergency room situation, Alzheimer’s patients may not be able to answer important medical questions like, do you have diabetes, what is your heart health history, or have you ever had a stroke? As strange as implanting a microchip in a person might seem, it could be a life-saving measure.
A two-year study will test the effectiveness of the VeriMed Patient Identification System in managing the records of Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers. In the 200 patient study, participating individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as their caregivers, would receive the VeriMed implantable microchip to provide emergency department staff easy access to those patients’ identification and medical information.
VeriMed has identified Alzheimer’s disease as one of several medical conditions well suited for the benefits of the system. Individuals with the disease or other forms of dementia are often unable to give necessary identifying information or critical medical history when admitted to a hospital. The VeriMed Patient Identification System allows physicians in the emergency room to scan the patient’s arm and immediately obtain his or her unique 16-digit identification number. The physician can then access the VeriMed database and obtain the patient’s name and address, caregiver contact information, diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia disorder, name of physician, current medications, and current medical issues.
Alzheimer’s Community Care also believes it is important for caregivers to obtain the implantable VeriMed chip. If a caregiver becomes ill, the database will provide medical information the patient would be unable to provide, as well as inform medical personnel that he or she is the caregiver for someone unable to care for themselves. All participants in the study will be voluntary. In the case of Alzheimer’s patients unable to make medical decisions, the legally designated responsible party must give permission for the patient to participate.
VeriChip Corporation, a provider of RFID systems for healthcare and patient-related needs, will partner with Alzheimer’s Community Care, Inc., headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida to conduct the study.
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