Member Article

North East tech solutions for people with dementia

A new project aiming to counter social and practical problems caused by dementia has launched two state-of-the-art prototypes. The Keeping In Touch Everyday (KITE) project is developing technology that allows people with dementia to undertake their normal day to day activities, with the reassurance that help can be sought should it be required.

The latest protoptyes are designed to assist people in the milder stages of dementia to cope with disorientation when undertaking normal day-to-day activities, such as walking or shopping. Two specific prototype applications were delivered for two selected participants, The Runner and The Driver, each focusing on the particular needs of these individuals.

The first device is designed for a person with dementia who still enjoys running, and is worn as an armband. The second prototype is tailored for the needs of someone with dementia who uses a car to get about and enjoys the independence of driving on her own. The technology in both prototypes sends signals to a nominated carer should the need arise.

The KITE project was established to enable a collaborative approach between academics, clinicians, social services and regional businesses. The core KITE project team includes scientists and designers as well as a GP and a social gerontologist. Project management and business support came from Cels, the organisation driving the North East’s healthcare sector.

Local companies contributing to the project included Tynetec Limited, whose technology was used in order to facilitate home monitoring. Newcastle-based Track-a-phone provided advice and direction on GPS and GPRS/GSM tracking and, GPS specialists Circuitree also provided advice and input.

Caroline Findlay, Project Manager at Cels, said: “Initiatives such as KITE are vitally important to the region and to society as a whole, because they address the needs of an increasingly ageing population. “The financial cost of caring for people with dementia is placed annually at £4.6 billion pounds. In addition to the major financial burden, there are the strains for those who care for people with dementia, such as requirements on time and the unprecedented stresses of their work and responsibilities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .