Arr! Yonder clever contraption, known as artificial intelligence, be lendin' a hand to scurvy scallywags sufferin' from foggy brains!
2023-08-15
Arrr, me hearties! A fine crew o' landlubbers be SmartSocks, a U.K. shipshape shipyard! They've fashioned a pair o' stockings, savvy? These wondrous garments use black magic, aye, AI, to keep a weather eye on a scallywag's heart rate, jiggin' moves, and sweat levels. If there be trouble brewin', caregivers be warned! Avast, technology!
In a humorous tone, a pair of AI-powered socks called "SmartSocks" has been created to help people suffering from dementia live more independently. These socks, developed by the University of Exeter and start-up company Milbotix, can monitor a patient's heart rate, sweat levels, and motion to prevent falls and promote independence. The goal is to recognize early signs of distress that individuals with dementia may not be able to communicate themselves, allowing caregivers to intervene before their well-being is impacted or their behavior escalates. The idea for SmartSocks came from the creator's experience volunteering in a dementia care home and his great-grandmother's struggle with the disease. The socks collect data and send it to an app, which alerts caregivers when the patient appears to be in distress. By responding promptly, caregivers can prevent falls and potentially tragic incidents. Care homes overseen by Southern Healthcare in the UK, including The Old Rectory in Exeter, are already testing the tech-powered socks, with positive feedback from patients. Unlike other wearable devices, SmartSocks do not need to be recharged and can be machine washed. While there are other products on the market that track heart rate and sweat levels, they often come in the form of wristbands and watches, which can pose challenges for individuals with dementia. SmartSocks offer a new and promising alternative. The University of Exeter is currently studying the benefits of the socks for dementia patients. AI-powered solutions like SmartSocks and CognoSpeak are revolutionizing healthcare by utilizing technology to detect early signs of dementia and Alzheimer's.