Shinozuka was inspired to create this device to help his grandfather, who can no longer eat or walk by himself due to Alzheimer's. He regularly wanders during the night, but one evening almost got hit by a car after wandering outside into traffic. After Shinozuka invented the Safe Wander, all 437 (and counting) of his grandfather's cases of wandering have been detected and prevented.
Alzheimer's Disease currently affects about 5 million Americans, 60% of whom have wandered off at least once. This invention has the power to not only keep the patients safe, but bring a peace of mind to the patient's caregiver.
Shinozuka's innovation has won him a $50,000 prize and the "Science in Action" award from Scientific American Magazine. Shinozuka hopes to become a neurosurgeon and solve the mysteries of the brain, as well as cure Alzheimer's Disease in the future.
Alzheimer's is a horrific disease that deserves more research and funding than it is currently receiving. Annually, the Alzheimer's Association receives about $5 million dollars; in comparison, the industries claiming to make an individual younger and "defy aging" receive at least 4 times this amount of funding. It is great that Alzheimer's is receiving more publicity and awareness.
In addition, the fact that this innovation was designed and created by a 15 year old is extremely impressive, and I am optimistic for the future of America. Our generation seems to want to strive to innovate and create a better world for ourselves, and I'm excited for what the future holds.
Wow, that's amazing! It's people like him that make me still have hope in people today. I hope he continues to do what he's doing and I know he'll surely go far. My mind is still blown!
ReplyDelete-Jazmin G. (2nd period)
News like these make you realize how even though youre a "teen" you can still do great innovative things, the sky is the limit when you have a passion and motivation to do something, no matter in what it is.
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