Personal Dementia Experience Inspires Revolutionary Monitoring Technology
Two engineers from Cambridge have created an innovative device designed to help individuals with dementia maintain their independence for longer periods, drawing inspiration from personal family experiences with the condition.
From Personal Challenge to Technological Solution
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Matt Ash noticed his mother beginning to display signs of dementia. As her condition progressed, he reduced his working hours to provide care, but faced the common challenge faced by many families: how to monitor a loved one's wellbeing without compromising their independence or requiring constant physical presence.
"We all pulled together to look after her," explained Matt, 39. "But we were all living two hours away, each with our own families and work commitments. We wanted a way to check on her that didn't involve constantly interrupting her daily life."
The Birth of SenS2 Through Engineering Collaboration
In 2022, Matt connected with his friend Dr James Brown, whom he had met while studying for a PhD at University College London. Both engineers by background, with Matt specialising in medical devices, they shared a conviction that technology could provide solutions for dementia care.
"We knew technology could help, but we just couldn't find anything suitable for mum," Matt revealed. "When people suggested smart watches, we'd tried that - she would forget to wear it or charge it. Smart home technology with cameras felt too intrusive."
Through their start-up, Supersense Technologies, they developed SenS2 - a discreet monitoring system that represents a significant departure from existing dementia care technologies.
How the Revolutionary System Operates
SenS2 employs a single, A4-sized box that resembles a standard WiFi router, designed to be placed unobtrusively in one room of the home. The system's unique sensors can detect movement not only in the room containing the device, but also in adjacent spaces.
"There's no multiple sensors to pair, there's no wearable to remember to wear and charge," Matt explained. "It's just the box. The system observes regular routines and patterns, then alerts families via WhatsApp when something appears out of the ordinary."
The technology provides families with insights into changes in daily patterns - such as increased nighttime activity - enabling them to respond appropriately without constant surveillance.
Balancing Independence with Family Reassurance
James Brown, 42, emphasised their approach: "We're not trying to replace the carer. We're not a carebot or anything like that. We talk to a lot of people who have found themselves as carers - they haven't necessarily planned on it, they're not trained in it. This is about trying to help them in that role."
The system has already demonstrated practical benefits for families currently testing the prototype across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and London. One family was able to advocate for their mother's continued independence in morning routines based on data from the system, adjusting care arrangements accordingly.
Recognition and Future Development
Matt and James are now finalists in the prestigious Longitude Prize on Dementia, funded by the Alzheimer's Society and Innovate UK. The £1 million grand prize, to be awarded in March, will support further development of their technology.
Working alongside a community of 800 people from local carer and dementia groups, the engineers have refined their approach based on real-world feedback. "Whoever wins," Matt noted, "we've got five teams creating technology that really helps address that problem."
The development represents a significant step forward in dementia care technology, offering a middle ground between complete independence and intensive monitoring that respects individual dignity while providing families with meaningful insights into their loved ones' wellbeing.
