A TINY device which could be worn as a ring will allow families to monitor elderly relatives with dementia without compromising their privacy.

Scientists at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) have developed the first tracking device of its kind which could allow people with dementia to live independently for longer and give families peace of mind.

It is one of the first devices which does not rely on GPS tracking, which is unreliable and does not work indoors.

The device contains a receiver which picks up signals from LED lighting which then conveys the location information to a nearby computer so that movements can be monitored remotely.

Local authorities and other organisations across the UK are already moving towards installing energy efficient LED-based lighting.

It is predicted that the number of people aged over 65 in the UK will have nearly doubled to around 19 million by 2050.

Associated with this challenge is the increasing prevalence of dementia.

A prototype has been developed which could also be used in care homes, hospitals and is expected to be available by the summer.

Dr Sinan Sinanovic, who is leading the project, said: “To the best of my knowledge there is nothing like this on the market.

“If you have an elderly person in the early stages of dementia and you would like to know where they are without invading their privacy.

“Originally, I could put some cameras in but nobody likes to seen on camera, it’s very invasive.

“We have GPS on our phones. It’s not very precise. If you go inside it doesn’t work.

“There is nothing that monitors people indoors without compromising their privacy.

“LEDs can switch on and off rapidly and that way represent binary ones and zeros which contain location information.

“This variation in light is detected by a small wearable device attached to a person who is located near the LEDs.

“We have developed this wearable device which contains a light receiver. We have also developed a transmitter which controls LEDs so that they convey the location information.

“The wearable device finally transmits this location information to a nearby computer so that information can be monitored remotely.

“The current prototype is under £100 but if it is mass produced it could be produced for a fraction of the cost.

“It would be small, inexpensive and low power.

“We believe it could be worn on the shoulder and that’s probably the best way but it could also eventually be worn as a ring.

“We have an ageing population so this is going to be even more important every day. This could help families and carers.”

Dr Sinan Sinanovic is working with Dr Roberto Ramirez-Iniguez (GCU), Dr Wasiu Popoola (University of Edinburgh) and Dr Lynne Baillie (Heriot-Watt University) on the project, which has been funded by the Digital Health and Care Institute.