Smart tech trial helps protect dementia patients

Devices are being tested in Plymouth to help find people with dementia if they go missing - something that affects more than 40,000 people across the UK each year.

The Devon and Cornwall Police trial includes wearable wristbands and small tags that use contactless technology - similar to paying on a mobile phone.

If a member of the public spots someone who may be lost, they can scan the device with their smartphone to access key information and help reconnect them with family or alert the police. Trackable tiles using Bluetooth and GPS are also being tested, helping officers quickly locate someone in real time.

The project is being developed with Plymouth-based charity Memory Matters.

Sgt Dan Timmins, head of the dementia safeguarding scheme said: "Any member of the public with a smartphone can simply hover it over the band or tag and it will give pertinent information that can assist the next of kin, or the police, in locating them."

The devices are made by Lumiio which has partnered with several police forces to help those with dementia across the country.

Kate Smith, CEO of Memory Matters believes the technology will help people with dementia maintain their independence for as long as possible whilst bring peace of mind to family members.

"Nobody ever knows when someone is going to go missing, but we want people to be able to go out and about, to go out and enjoy their lives and do as much as they can for as long as they can", she said.

Only a name and contact number for next of kin are stored on the device and only the person setting up the device needs to download a specific app.

Paul Burton's wife was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at 57.

She travels into Plymouth on the bus for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy provided by Memory Matters.

Paul said the tracking tile would help him know she had got there safely and he praised their design: "The bright yellow colour of them with give the public the confidence to go up and talk to somebody if they see them struggling."

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