Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Maureen Mickus, MSG

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

The population of persons with dementia (PWD) is rising in the United States, expected to reach 82 million by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Agitation is one of the most common and challenging aspects of the disease characterized by irritability, severe restlessness, physical aggressiveness, and/or verbal aggression (Carrini et al., 2021). This behavior can cause significant stress for carers, pharmaceutical interventions have limited effectiveness and may have adverse side effects. Technological approaches for addressing agitation have included robotic pets, wearable technology, and environmental sensory modifications although with mixed results. The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth product review of the emerging technology, SmartSocks®, and its potential for addressing agitation in dementia care. SmartSocks® are machine washable socks that include a sensor unit with a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, infrared (IR) thermopile, electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, and a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). Data is transmitted over Wi-Fi and available to carers as early signs of distress through changes in heart rate, sweat levels, and motion. The objective, real-time data provided by SmartSocks® may serve as a valuable tool for occupational therapists, enabling them to better tailor interventions by identifying agitation triggers, reducing wandering behaviors, and alleviating caregiver stress.

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Available for download on Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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