A U.S. company called CrossSense is developing AI-powered glasses and smart socks to help people with dementia perform daily activities [1].

These wearables aim to extend the period of independent living for patients by reducing the cognitive load required to remember routine tasks. By providing real-time prompts, the technology may also lower the physical and emotional burden on family caregivers [2].

The AI-enabled glasses are designed to recognize common household objects and project visual prompts directly onto the lenses [3]. This allows users to receive guidance on how to complete a task as they look at the necessary tools. Complementing the eyewear, the company is developing smart socks that deliver haptic reminders, physical vibrations, to alert the user to specific activities [1].

Development and testing of the devices were ongoing in 2024 [3]. The company intends for these tools to assist with basic hygiene and self-care, such as shaving and cleaning teeth, which are often the first activities forgotten by those with cognitive decline [2].

Leslie Price, a dementia patient and support group member, highlighted the practical necessity of such interventions. "Shaving, teeth cleaning — it's easy to forget them, and a prompt for that would be very useful," Price said [1].

CrossSense is conducting its testing with participants in the United Kingdom [3]. While the devices are currently in the development phase, there are plans for the technology to potentially become available through the National Health Service (NHS) in the near future [3].

“These wearables aim to extend the period of independent living for patients”

The integration of computer vision and haptic feedback into consumer wearables represents a shift toward 'ambient assistance' for neurodegenerative diseases. By moving prompts from a static calendar or a human caregiver to a reactive device, this technology targets the specific failure of prospective memory in dementia patients, potentially delaying the need for full-time residential care.