Teen Invents Device to Prevent Alzheimer's Sufferers from Wandering
In a remarkable feat of innovation, 16-year-old Kenneth Shinozuka, grandson of Kenzo Shinozuka, has developed a device called SafeWander. This groundbreaking invention aims to tackle the issue of night wandering in Alzheimer's patients, providing a solution that brings peace of mind to families and reduces caregiver stress.
SafeWander is a pressure sensor device, thinner than a coin, that attaches to a patient's foot or sock. It wirelessly transmits an alert to a smartphone app when the patient stands up during the night, helping prevent accidents and potential elopement. The device has been hailed for its effectiveness and affordability, earning recognition such as the Scientific American Science in Action award and a TEDYouth talk with over 1 million views.
The device works by activating only when pressure increases on the sensor, indicating that the patient is standing. This design helps prevent "alarm fatigue," ensuring that caregivers are alerted only when necessary. SafeWander has successfully detected all 437 of Kenzo's night wanderings with zero false alarms.
The device has been tested at Irvine Cottages Memory Care facility in California and has outperformed all previously used devices during testing. Several memory care facilities have implemented pilot programs using the technology, with early feedback suggesting revolutionary potential. The device's affordability, with a production cost of less than $20, makes it an accessible solution for many families.
Kenneth's journey began due to his grandfather's Alzheimer's progression and the reorganization of the family structure around his care. This personal experience fueled Kenneth's ambition to solve mysteries of the brain and ultimately cure Alzheimer's and other mental conditions. He is currently working with engineers to refine the design for mass production while maintaining its low cost.
In addition to SafeWander, Kenneth is developing partnerships with Alzheimer's organisations to distribute the device to low-income families who cannot afford commercial alternatives. He joins the ranks of other young innovators such as Jack Andraka, Gitanjali Rao, and Ann Makosinski, who are tackling healthcare challenges with fresh approaches.
SafeWander's innovative design and practical application make it a standout innovation in the field of Alzheimer's care. By reducing the risk of accidents associated with night wandering, the device enhances the safety and independence of Alzheimer's patients, bringing hope to families and caregivers alike.
- Kenneth Shinozuka's development of the SafeWander device showcases the potential of technology to make substantial advancements in healthcare and wellness, particularly in addressing medical-conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and neurological disorders.
- The application of science in creating the SafeWander device highlights the power of innovation, as it has been designed to effectively address night wandering, a common issue in Alzheimer's patients, providing peace of mind to families and reducing caregiver stress.
- The affordability of the SafeWander device, costing less than $20 to produce, showcases its accessibility, making it an attainable solution for many families struggling with Alzheimer's care, over traditional and often expensive medical-devices.
- Kenneth's work on the SafeWander device is a testament to the ingenuity of young minds, as he joins the ranks of other millennial innovators like Jack Andraka, Gitanjali Rao, and Ann Makosinski, who are making significant strides in the health-and-wellness sector, tackling healthcare challenges with fresh technology-driven approaches.
