Fifteen-year-old Kenneth Shinozuka of California has invented a sensor that tells caregivers when an Alzheimer’s patient starts walking. Kenneth’s grandfather, who has Alzheimer’s and wanders frequently, inspired the invention. People with Alzheimer’s forget how to get home and eventually forget how to walk on their own. So if they wander by themselves, they can get lost or fall.
Kenneth wanted to help. His sensor is attached to a sock, and when the wearer stands, the device wirelessly transmits a warning to the caretaker’s smartphone.
Kenneth’s invention has already won an award and is helping staff and patients at an assisted living home.