Africa-Press – Lesotho. Patients struggling with dementia, a degenerative brain disease, that brings with it a loss of thinking, and remembering skill, may have been given a chance to continue living at home instead of at a full-time care institution. A pair of newly-invented “smart”, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered socks could be invaluable for dementia patients.
Looking not much different from ordinary hosiery, and even machine-washable, these socks are able to track heart rate, sweat levels, and the movement of individuals who wear them, according to researchers from the University of Exeter, UK. The carers can access a patient’s metrics on a special app.
Dementia, caused by damage to brain cells, is a term covering a wide range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, bringing with it such manifestations as memory loss, a decline in thinking skills, problem-solving and other symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life.
The “SmartSocks,” as they have been named, would alert caregivers to any distress experienced by people suffering from such a condition. The socks, according to their creators:
Recognise early telltale signs of distress Alert carers of increased risk of agitation Do not need recharging, and are machine washable He explained that the foot is great for gathering data about stress.
The trial using SmartSocks involves 15 people with dementia living at home. Simultaneously, nursing and caregiving facilities across the UK are testing out the devices in homes run by Southern Healthcare.
The “SmartSocks”, if used by people with dementia, autism spectrum disorders, and some learning disabilities could not only improve quality of life, but could also reduce health and social care costs, according to their creators.
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