Smart Glasses Offer New Hope for Independence among Alzheimer’s Patients
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More than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and a new innovation from a London-based company offers a glimmer of hope for greater independence. Called CrossSense, these smart glasses utilize video cameras and voice recognition to assist individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in navigating daily life, fostering a sense of autonomy and easing the burden on caregivers.
The Challenge of Cognitive Decline
For those experiencing the onset of cognitive decline, maintaining independence is a paramount desire. However, the progression of Alzheimer’s and related dementias ofen leads to increasing difficulty with everyday tasks. As one patient expressed, “I’d like to organize things. It’s hard for me to remember what I’ve done.”
How CrossSense Works
These technologies are designed to provide real-time assistance. Cameras capture the wearer’s surroundings, while lens-mounted displays present information directly in their field of vision. Voice recognition allows for hands-free interaction with the system. The glasses can identify objects and people, offer warnings about potential dangers, manage daily activities, and even recall names – all aimed at maximizing safety and independence.
The technology functions by visually labeling objects as the wearer looks at them. Such as, when focusing on an apple, the word “apple” appears on the glasses’ screen. An integrated artificial intelligence assistant, named Wispy, further enhances functionality. wispy can identify items,locate misplaced objects like keys,and even control household devices such as the heating system.
According to Szczepan orlins, director of Animorph and software architect, “If you look at a toaster, it will tell you what you can do with it, but also be careful when you take out the toast.” The system also provides timely reminders for essential tasks, such as medication administration.
Real-World Testing and safety Features
CrossSense doesn’t just offer assistance with tasks; it prioritizes safety.The glasses communicate through built-in speakers, providing real-time alerts. A wearer might be warned if the gas is left on,or receive reassurance about their route while walking.
A hands-on test conducted by The Times demonstrated the glasses’ capabilities. When placed on a woman with vascular dementia, the device guided her step-by-step through making a cup of tea, even prompting her to smell the milk to ensure it hadn’t spoiled. The glasses provided clear instructions: “Wait for the water to boil, then pour it into the mug, then add a tea bag.”
Understanding Mood and Organizing Procedures
Beyond task assistance, CrossSense incorporates features designed to understand the wearer’s emotional state. “The ability to understand how a person feels is one of the essential elements of this project,” orlins explained. The system analyzes tone of voice, word choice, and movements to assess mood, providing a more holistic and personalized experience.
The core strength of the glasses lies in their ability to break down complex procedures into manageable steps. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often struggle with sequencing and remembering what comes next. CrossSense guides users through each step, offering a gentle, uninhibited voice that provides reassurance and direction, whether preparing a meal, getting dressed, or simply making a cup of tea. The AI software also assists with word retrieval and remembers ongoing conversations, further supporting cognitive function.
Challenges and Availability
Despite the promising potential, several challenges remain. Concerns exist regarding whether elderly patients will tolerate wearing “talking glasses” or if the technology might feel intrusive. The current frames weigh 75 grams, compared to the 30-40 grams of standard eyewear, raising questions about comfort. While the glasses have a one-hour battery life, an external battery pack extends usage throughout the day.
Animorph envisions patients wearing the glasses for up to two hours during periods of heightened memory difficulty. The AI software will be available for purchase by the end of the year, with a subscription price of approximately £50 per month, along with the £700 cost of the glasses themselves. The company emphasizes that the device is encrypted and operates offline on a secure network, ensuring user privacy and preventing data transmission to the cloud.
