by A British scientist from the University of Bristol, Dr. Zeke Steer, has developed a unique wearable technology to assist in managing symptoms of dementia. Inspired by his own great-grandmother’s struggle with dementia, Dr. Steer wanted to develop a device that could catch early signs of distress and alert caregivers before the situation escalated.
Named SmartSocks, this wearable device is being commercialized through a start-up called Milbotix. The system works by having caregivers scan a QR code on one of the socks using a smartphone app. Sensors embedded in the sock then continuously monitor the wearer’s heart rate, perspiration levels, and body movements.
All collected data is wirelessly transmitted to a cloud-based server, where machine-learning algorithms analyze it in real-time. If signs of agitation or distress are detected, an alert is sent to the caregiver’s phone, prompting immediate action to calm the wearer down before the situation worsens.
One of the key advantages of SmartSocks is that they resemble regular socks and can be worn without causing any discomfort or inconvenience to the wearer. The aim is to create a wearable device that the elderly will readily adopt, as it blends seamlessly into their everyday routines.
Furthermore, the SmartSocks are fully machine-washable, ensuring they can be easily cleaned and maintained. They have already undergone successful testing in British care homes, proving their practicality and effectiveness in managing dementia-related symptoms.
Currently, Milbotix is seeking financial backing for the production and distribution of SmartSocks through a crowdfunding campaign on the Crowdcube platform. Although the pricing and availability details have not been announced yet, the campaign aims to raise funds and generate interest from potential customers.
Dementia is a challenging condition that not only affects memory and cognitive function but also impacts behavior and emotional well-being. SmartSocks offers a potential solution by providing continuous monitoring and early intervention for caregivers, ensuring the safety and comfort of dementia patients.
With the increasing prevalence of dementia worldwide, technological advancements like SmartSocks offer promising possibilities for managing the condition effectively. By leveraging wearable technology and machine learning algorithms, caregivers can proactively address distressing symptoms, helping to improve the quality of life for dementia patients and their families.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
