SmartSocks for Monitoring Agitation in Dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-development of SmartSocks to detect, assess and monitor agitation in people with dementia living in care homes
IRAS ID
370455
Contact name
Byron Creese
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brunel University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 29 days
Research summary
We are going to test whether a new form of wearable technology, 'SmartSocks', can help provide care for people with dementia living in care homes. Many people with dementia living in care homes have problems telling people if they are in distress, this can mean that they do not have their needs met which can lead to more agitation and aggression. We think using technology might be able to help us recognise distress.
The Socks: SmartSocks have been designed and manufactured by a company called Milbotix. They are like regular socks, but they have sensors inside them. These sensors can measure different things like how sweaty your feet are, your heart rate, and even how much you move. All of these things can tell us if someone is stressed or agitated.
The Study: We want to know if these SmartSocks can help provide care for people with dementia who might have trouble communicating their needs. To figure this out, we are giving the SmartSocks to 70 people with dementia living in care homes for up to 12 weeks.
Procedure: During the study, we will ask the people to wear the SmartSocks per their regular socks, Care staff will provide all other care in the normal way.
Collecting Data: The SmartSocks send information to a mobile app that care staff use. The app shows when a person might be feeling upset, agitation or in pain. We will ask how they feel about using these socks and if it helps them look after the residents better.
The Goal: By doing all of this, we want to see if the SmartSocks are easy to use, comfortable and acceptable to people living with dementia and care home staff.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
26/WA/0135
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion