Aetrex Worldwide has teamed up with GTX Corp to develop Aetrex footwear that contains inbuilt GPS technology. The pedorthic footwear and foot orthotics specialist believes working with technology provider GTX will enable people to monitor the locations of wandering adults affected by dementia.

The development process is expected to begin immediately and product testing is likely to start by the fourth quarter of 2009.

“There are a growing number of seniors suffering from dementia and we know over 50% ‘wander’ without anyone’s knowledge of where they are and where they are heading,” said Chris Walsh, COO of GTX Corp. “The shoe we intend on developing with Aetrex should help authorised family members, friends, or caretakers reduce their stress and anguish by enabling them to locate their loved ones instantly with the click of mouse from any desktop computer or mobile phone with internet access.”

According to GTX, five million people in the US alone suffer from Alzheimer's and this is expected to grow rapidly in the near future.

GTX advisor Andrew Carle said: "Up to 60% of these individuals will become lost at least once and nearly half may die if not located within 24 hours."