NIH Spotlight on Sonica

Wearable sensors have exhibited significant growth over the past 10 years, but only a limited number of these technologies have been explicitly designed for the needs of older adults, particularly of those with dementia. There is a need for sensors that measure clinically relevant features within this population.

Nearly 50% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibit trouble swallowing. The major secondary effects of dysphagia are aspiration and poor nutrition. Social isolation is also a problem for these individuals, and it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sonica has developed swallowing- and talking-focused sensors that can also provide an indication of social isolation.

Our group has unique expertise in the development of soft, flexible, wireless sensors that can be mounted in unusual information-rich locations, such as the suprasternal notch, or bottom of the neck.
A single sensor at this location can capture respiratory, sleep, communication, movement, and swallowing digital biomarkers.
We present the first wearable device able to provide continuous measurements of swallow count and talk time to address two key issues facing older adults: dysphagia and social isolation.
These sensors also offer tracking of traditional vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and physical activity, including fall count.

The market for wearable sensors for clinical medicine is growing and is expected to reach $8 billion by 2022. Sonica is commercializing a novel technology that exhibits significant differentiation in both its ability to provide first-in-class continuous monitoring of swallowing and talk time while also incorporating data on traditional vital signs. Our wearable sensors offer the following features: