Teen Invents Device To Help Keep Alzheimer's Patients Safe

This brilliant teen drew from personal experiences with his grandfather's illness to create something that could change the lives of millions.

Kenneth Shinozuka, 15, of New York City has witnessed first-hand the challenges loved ones face when caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, Scientific American reported.

"I don't think I will ever forget my shock at seeing Grandfather in his pajamas, accompanied by a policeman who found him wandering on a nearby freeway in the middle of the night," Kenneth said, according to the source.

Determined to alleviate this stress that his aunt, and so many other caretakers of Alzheimer's patients deal with, the 11th-grader invented a "wearable sensor," a small device that could be attached to the foot or sock that reacts to pressure. When the patient takes a step and begins to wander, the caregiver is signaled through an app on their smartphone, according to his Google Science Fair 2014 profile. Kenneth's work has received the Scientific American Science in Action award.

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