Smart Elderly Care Startup 'Never Lost Again' Files IPO Prospectus

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition that remains incurable. In the early stages, patients experience memory decline; as the disease progresses, they gradually fail to recognize familiar people and become unable to manage daily activities such as eating, personal hygiene, and toileting, requiring round-the-clock, close-proximity care. With wearable devices becoming internet-connected and highly portable, an increasing number of manufacturers are leveraging them to assist caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.

In late August,Toshiba of Japan has announced that it will launch a wristband designed for caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease (dementia) patients, marking its official entry into the wearable market.Although it is still too early to discuss success in this field, other companies have begun leveraging wearable technology to assist individuals suffering from memory confusion and memory loss. Below are three promising wearable designs aimed at alleviating many of the inconveniences associated with aging.

Smart Socks That Can Send Reminders to Caregivers.Kenneth Shinozuka, a 15-year-old New Yorker, invented a lightweight sensor that can be placed on the ankle of his grandfather’s sock to alert his aunt when his grandfather gets out of bed. The smart sock also sends notifications to a Bluetooth-linked smartphone app when the user leaves a designated area. Shinozuka’s project won the Scientific American Science in Action Award last August, along with a $50,000 prize. The smart sock is currently being tested in households requiring specialized care. Due to its lighter weight and greater convenience compared to smartwatches, making it suitable for use during sleep, the device holds significant potential for success.

Smartwatches Capable of Defining Hazardous Zones.The CleverCare smartwatch uses GPS to define danger and safety zones, and can alert caregivers when the user leaves or enters these areas. Its user interface features simple, bold text and vibrant colors, making it easier for users to read information and create reminder tasks. In addition to connecting with caregivers, CleverCare’s 24-hour call center provides emergency calling services, offering guidance and a sense of security like a safety net.

Assisting individuals with amnesia.Singaporean scientists are developing an app for Google Glass to help users identify people in front of them. Researchers at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore’s largest research institute, told The Straits Times that they are working on using the app to detect individuals (and correct medications), then displaying the person’s name or the drug’s properties on the glasses’ lenses. A prototype of the app is currently being tested by users in Singapore.

Text | Chen Xin
Editor: Mo Renying