An Internet of Things study in Surrey for dementia patients living at home has received an extra £1m in funding.

The project, called Technology Integrated Health Management for dementia (TIHM), is led by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation.

Launched in October, the TIHM will see internet-enabled devices, such as sensors and monitors, installed in the homes of dementia patients. Participants will also be provided with wearable devices.

These devices combined with artificial intelligence will enable clinicians to remotely monitor patients’ health 24/7.

TIHM can identify if a person has high blood pressure, is dehydrated, has developed a urinary tract infection or wandered from home.

If the technology identifies a problem, an alert will be flagged on a digital dashboard and followed up by a specially trained clinical monitoring team.

The additional funding from NHS England and the Office for Life Sciences will pay for the second phase of the study, following a successful first phase with more than 400 people with dementia and their carers.

Early findings show there was a significant statistical reduction in neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia, such as depression, agitation, anxiety and irritability.

Dr Helen Rostill, director of innovation and development at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted this important study has been awarded additional funding to help us build on the successes achieved during the first phase of TIHM.

“We believe TIHM has the potential to transform care for people with dementia and also those with other long term conditions as well as reduce some of the pressures on the NHS.”

To take part in TIHM, a person with dementia must have a carer who is also willing to get involved.

To find out more, call Surrey and Borders Partnership on 01932 722247.