By Adriana Kliegman, Arsenio Garcia, Kevin Lozeau
AKA IMAGINE
www.akaimagine.com
Studies show that 25% of Americans aged 65 and older fall each year and the incidence is as high as 60% among people with dementia (Shaw, 1998). Being susceptible to falls prevents this vulnerable population to Age In Place (AIP). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines AIP as “the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” AIP has been shown to improve measures of cognition, depression and activities of daily living (ADL) (Marek et al., 2005).
AKA IMAGINE’s objective for the grant effort is to better understand how a simple device and phone app to track falls or the whereabouts of an individual with early signs of dementia would be used and accepted by them and their caregivers.
AKA IMAGINE’s longer term goal is to design and develop wearable devices that combine emotional and functional needs with technology to provide feedback to caregivers that promotes familial well-being effortlessly.