Smart Wearables for Dementia Care: Marziyeh’s Innovative Research
An MSc student in Biomedical Engineering, Marziyeh is developing a smart ring that detects early signs of agitation in people living with dementia. Her work advances wearable health technologies and supports safer, more compassionate caregiving.
MSc student Marziyeh, from the Biomedical Engineering program at the University of Saskatchewan, is pioneering a wearable health technology aimed at transforming dementia care. Under the supervision of Prof. Chen and Prof. Bui, and in collaboration with Prof. Osgood, she is designing a smart ring capable of continuously monitoring biosignals to detect early signs of agitation in individuals living with dementia.
Her interest in this work began with the global rise in dementia cases and the profound impact the condition has on families. Dementia affects not only those diagnosed but also the caregivers—many of whom are family members without formal training—who face significant emotional and physical strain. Reports from the Alzheimer’s Association consistently show higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among dementia caregivers compared to other caregiving groups. These challenges are often intensified by behavioural and psychological symptoms such as agitation, aggression, and restlessness, which can emerge unpredictably.
Marziyeh’s project seeks to address these concerns by leveraging biosignal monitoring as an early-warning system. The smart ring she is developing measures physiological indicators that precede agitation, enabling timely intervention before symptoms escalate. By providing real-time support, the technology aims to create safer environments for individuals with dementia and offer much-needed relief to caregivers.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to work with supervisors who encourage curiosity and innovation,” Marziyeh shares. “Their guidance has shaped this project into something that can truly support caregivers and individuals living with dementia.”
Beyond the technical innovation, her work reflects a commitment to compassionate, human-centred healthcare. Marziyeh envisions wearable technologies that integrate seamlessly into daily life, empowering families to manage care with confidence and reducing the emotional toll on loved ones.
Her research highlights how engineering and empathy can intersect to address one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and thoughtful design, Marziyeh is contributing to a future where technology strengthens caregiving, enhances safety, and improves the overall well-being of those affected by dementia.