This week, Toshiba announced it is entering the wearable market with a bracelet aimed at helping caretakers of elders suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. But, while it’s still too early to deem itself successful, Toshiba joins a few other companies using wearable technology to help with confusion and memory loss. Here are three promising wearable designs to help with the aging hardships. Smart socks that alert caretakers. A 15-year-old New Yorker named Kenneth Shinozuka created a light-weight sensor at the heel of his grandfather’s sock to alert his aunt when he got out of bed. When the user leaves a particular spot, it alerts the smartphone app connected via Bluetooth. Shinozuka’s project was awarded the $50K Scientific American Science in Action Award last August. It is now in beta testing at care homes and there’s strong potential it will do well since users won't have to wear a smartwatch to bed. Smartwatch that defines danger zones. Using GPS, the CleverCare smartwatch defines danger and safety zones and alerts the caretaker if they leave or enter them. Its user interface includes simple, bold text and bright colors, making it easier for the user to read and create task reminders. In addition to the caretaker, emergency calls go to CleverCare’s 24-hour call center which can help direct them from wherever they are—a safety net that can offer peace of mind if nothing else. Helping with memory loss. Singapore scientists are developing an application for the Google Glass to recognize different people the user knows. Researchers from the Institute for Infocomm Research at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) told The Straits Times they are working on ways for the glasses to detect people (and the correct pills) and then displaying things like the name of the person's identity or the correct pills. The prototype is currently being tested in user trials in Singapore. Know of any other wearable technologies aimed at helping people with dementia or Alzheimer's? Share in the comments below!
Jennifer Elias writing for Forbes magazine presents three wearables designs that help Alzheimer's sufferers. The first is a wristband with an accelerometer and gyroscope to track the wearer's movement. Secondly, a smartwatch by CleverCare which uses GPS to alert carers of when patients enter defined danger zones and lastly, Google Glass which is being used by Singapore scientists to develop an application that can recognise different people known to the user.