Shillong, August 28: Researchers in the UK have unveiled an innovative solution to assist caregivers and care home personnel in identifying agitation and preventing falls among individuals with dementia.
This pioneering creation, known as ‘SmartSocks,’ merges sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor heart rate, sweat levels, and motion. The aim is to offer valuable insights into the wearer’s well-being, furnishing accurate data about their cognitive state and emotional distress.
As per IANS, resembling regular socks in appearance and texture, SmartSocks eliminate the need for charging and can be conveniently machine washed. In contrast to prevailing physiological monitors often worn on wrist straps, SmartSocks avoid potential stigmatization and stress, as they are discreetly placed on the foot.
Zeke Steer, the Chief Executive Officer of Milbotix, the inventor of SmartSocks, emphasized the efficacy of collecting stress-related data from the foot. He noted that socks, a common daily wear item, can reliably identify signs of stress. This insight is valuable not only for individuals with dementia but also for their caregivers.
Milbotix is collaborating with the University of Exeter in a study to explore whether SmartSocks can aid care home staff in supporting individuals who may struggle to communicate agitation or distress. Byron Creese from the University of Exeter highlighted the significant clinical need SmartSocks addresses in managing agitation, pain, and distress associated with dementia.
Additionally, Milbotix is partnering with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Care Research & Technology Centre at Imperial College London. They will test SmartSocks in a living lab environment to assess its capability to detect distress and agitation. Following this, SmartSocks will be deployed in the homes of 15 individuals living with dementia for further evaluation.