Artificial intelligence steps in to assist dementia patients with high-tech apparel.

The University of Exeter, in collaboration with researchers from start-up Milbotix, recently publicized "SmartSocks," a garment powered by artificial intelligence. The project is aimed at patients with dementia, and is an attempt to provide them with more independent living.

The socks in question can monitor a patient's heart rate, sweat levels and movement to prevent falls and promote independence for people with dementia. In addition, they can recognize early signs of discomfort that the patient may not be able to communicate independently.

How does the process actually work? The socks send data collected from the patient to an app, which alerts caregivers when the patient appears to be in distress.