App for people with dementia / memory problems and their carers

[MissArray]

The problem

• The number of people living with some form and degree of dementia worldwide is estimated to be around 50 million and is expected to double every 20 years.[1]
• Because the onset of dementia is usually gradual and many of its symptoms can be easily mistaken for general forgetfulness, at least 1 in 2 sufferers are not formally diagnosed and do not have access to treatment. This figure is much larger in developing countries.[1]

The helper app for dementia sufferers and their carers

Living with some degree of dementia is usually extremely demanding, both for sufferers and their carers. An app that can be configured by sufficiently able sufferers or by carers to display

1. the person’s name and age
2. where the person with dementia is currently located
3. the current date and time
4. any other key details, such as prescribed medication
5. a personal contact number (family member or friend)
6. an emergency 24/7 number
7. at least one custom reminder (e.g. ‘take the blue pill in the white pill-box on the bedside table’),

all displayed in a clear, friendly format and simple, direct language (e.g. ‘you live at XYZ St. in ABC borough, in South London’) could help those affected and their carers with everyday tasks.

A responsive app

On a smartphone, the app might also help members of the public who come across people with dementia without ID or recollection who they are and where they live. [2] Users will be discouraged from entering their home address, if they live alone, and sensitive information (e.g. banking details).

[1] https://www.alz.co.uk/research/statistics
[2] In the UK, about 4 out of 10 people with dementia will go missing at some point in their lives and 1 out of 10 adults who go missing suffers from dementia.
Source: https://www.missingpeople.org.uk/latest-news/1018-missing-people-publishes-latest-uk-statistics.html

Existing apps for people with dementia

https://www.uksmobility.co.uk/blog/2016/07/25-useful-apps-for-dementia-patients-and-carers/
https://seniordirectory.com/articles/info/9-great-apps-for-people-with-dementia-or-alzheimers

[sunuwars]

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