Technology and devices to support the treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia (2023)

Last updated: June 29, 2020

Technology has become easier to use for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias and their caregivers. High-tech tools like location trackers can monitor and help, while low-tech tools like special eating utensils or clothing are also available to make living with dementia easier. There are even "voice assistants" like Amazon Echo or Google Home that can help with a variety of tasks, from medication reminders to remote control of devices. This article describes devices for securing the home, assisting with activities of daily living, improving symptoms, and more.

home security technology

Monitor device usage
Forgetting to turn things off becomes a problem when someone progresses through the stages of Alzheimer's disease; so device usage monitors are a good idea for loved ones to keep track of things like a microwave, coffee maker, TV, light bulbs, curling iron, garage door , or CPAP machine. These devices plug into a power strip or outlet and allow you to monitor whether your loved one has remembered to turn it off, usually from their phone. They can be voice controlled and allow you to easily turn something off if your loved one forgets it. You can also use it to control lights, fans or your thermostat remotely. The cost is usually around $30.

medical warnings
Personal Emergency Call Systems (PERS), also known as Medical Emergency Call Devices, can make the difference between life and death in an emergency. Many of these devices detect falls, which are particularly common in people with dementia, and send rescue teams to their homes. You can also allow your loved one to contact emergency services at the touch of a button. They are usually worn around the neck on a lanyard or clipped to a pocket and often include other features such as GPS tracking. Advanced PERS even uses motion sensors to detect movement and alert caregivers to specific activities such as: B. prolonged stove use. Watches with these systems are also available, but the watches are not the best option for people with advanced stages of dementia.Click herefor a guide to comparing PERS vsHerefor more information about dementia-specific medical alerts.

location tracker
walkIt's a problematic behavior that many people with dementia may experience for a variety of reasons. Tracking devices are the answer. They include GPS so the hiker can be easily located and avoid getting lost. These devices can also be programmed to alert caregivers when a person with dementia leaves a certain area (“geo-fencing”). Small and easy to wear on a lanyard or clip on clothing or in a pocket, and typically costing around $40 or more, location tracking devices offer great security for caregivers.

Another useful tool for managing walks is theSensor SafeWander($79), which started out as a special sock that notifies caregivers when their loved one gets out of bed at night, but has been converted into a small sensor that attaches easily to clothing and serves the same purpose, indicating that the resident of street is waking up getting up and out of bed and may need help in the middle of the night. Location trackers like SafeWander work via a smartphone app and alert caregivers and/or multiple loved ones via their phones when someone with dementia is wandering around, has fallen or gotten out of bed. More information about smartphones and apps for caregivers and people with dementia can be found below.

language memories
Speech reminder devices allow caregivers to personalize memories of loved ones with dementia. Some voice-activated technologies allow caregivers to set a specific time for reminders to play, while others work through a motion sensor. Devices that work by motion detection can be of great benefit to those who tend to wander, as caregivers can pre-record a message reminding a loved one not to leave the house at night when approaching the door. For people with dementia who have only mild memory problems, a small digital recording device, such as a note-taking pen or one worn around the neck, can be helpful. This type of device allows people to record memories for themselves and then play them back.

Heimvideomonitore
Home cameras can be pointed at strategic locations, such as B. Medicines in the bathroom or main room or bedroom where a loved one with dementia spends most of their time. Clear and continuous transmissions can be monitored via smartphones or online. There are even cameras with speakers that allow you to talk to your loved one like an intercom, and that can be programmed to send an alarm if they don't detect movement after a certain amount of time. Home security cameras with motion sensors and an intercom usually cost around $70 or more. The most basic cameras can cost around $30.

Adaptive household products for people with dementia

clocks
A symptom of dementia is wasting time. Watches designed specifically to treat dementia can help by clearly displaying the date and time, as well as the time of day, in clear, large print without abbreviations. This means that the clock actually shows "evening", "morning", "day", "afternoon" etc. This relieves anxiety by reducing confusion and also helps you stick to routine. Someone whose eyesight is failing might buy dementia watches that announce the time information aloud when you tap anywhere on the screen. These watches typically cost between $30 and $100.

talking photo albums
Talking photo albums contain photos of loved ones, each with a button that plays a prerecorded message explaining what's on the page. It's a great way to remember loved ones or fun times from the past, and pages can also include useful things like medication management (pictures of accompanying medications), reminders for things like appointments, and instructions for operating gadgets like the vending machine. wash or microwave. . A 20-page talking photo album typically costs around $40.

Loudspeaker suitable for people with dementia
Music helps with healing, so investing in a simple speaker designed to play someone with Alzheimer's favorite songs can be really beneficial. Studies show that the effect music has on people with dementia is incredible. In one study, after 20 minutes of listening to music, people with Alzheimer's saw an immediate and measurable increase in happiness, eye contact and loquacity, as well as a decrease in fatigue. (For more information,Click here). Some devices only require a sturdy handle to be raised to start playing music and lowered to stop. There are also speakers whose settings are set behind a big button, so the songs and volume are pre-programmed and a person only needs to press that button to start (or stop) the music.

Custom Phones
There are three types of custom phones: custom home phones, cell/folding phones, and smartphones.

Adaptive home phones come pre-programmed with important phone numbers so your loved one doesn't have to remember or write them down, and they have big, easy-to-use buttons. The Future Call Picture Care Phone ($33), for example, has real photos of loved ones' faces on the buttons that correspond to each person. These phones can be used by people with intermediate-stage dementia, while the smartphones listed below are generally only useful for people with Alzheimer's or a related illness in the early stages.

personalized cell phones; These are more traditional looking phones with a streamlined design and large buttons. These phones are specially designed for seniors, amplifying the sound of voice calls and responding to the voices of the visually impaired. In the early stages of dementia, phones look like thisLucycan help you stay connected.

personalized smartphones; If someone with dementia is already familiar with their smartphone, there's no reason to give it up in the early stages. Some smartphones, for exampleJitterbug Smart 2 de GreatcallThey are specially made for seniors. Features include a simple interface with large text and an easy-to-understand options menu, voice input, and speakers that amplify voices for easy conversations. Smartphones for seniors should also include one-tap emergency calling in the event of an accident.

Technology to assist in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living

automatic tablet dispenser
There are several different types of automatic pill dispensers, starting at $35, that can be easily programmed to beep, flash, or signal when it's time to take your medication and the exact amount in something like a Dispense measuring cup. Multiple alarms can be set for each day, and there are even dispensers that record voice reminders so you can tell them exactly what is being dispensed and why, further alleviating the anxiety that comes with taking medication. As dementia progresses, more expensive pill dispensers that caregivers can control remotely may be needed. They will even notify caregivers if a dose is missed.

razor / shaver
People with dementia can still use an electric razor without cutting themselves, although pre-shave lotion is a good idea to make the process go smoother. A great way to reduce your loved one's anxiety about shaving with an electric razor is to grab a second electric razor and turn it on, creating a mental connection with what you're doing.
Gillette makes a more traditional disposable razor called the TREO that allows a caregiver to shave their loved one with little or no water. The handle is designed to be held like a brush and contains a special lubricating gel to keep your face hydrated while you work with the blade. For more,Click here.

help to eat
Special dishes and utensilsEating easier for people with dementiaand can help maintain independence longer. Forks, spoons and knives with extra-large handles make handling easier. Special plate guards ("food bumpers") are attached to the edges of plates to prevent spills and make food easier to catch. Spoon bowls with higher rounded edges are also helpful, as are plates with suction cups that keep them from moving or slipping.

elevated baths
Making it easier to get up and down on the toilet is an easy way to help someone who is having trouble going to the toilet (go to the bathroomis a common symptom of intermediate- and advanced-stage dementia). Elevated toilets are easier to use for older people who have difficulties. It's also a good idea to install grab bars next to the toilet.

sliding transfer seat
Getting in and out of the bath or shower is difficult and can even be dangerous for people with mobility issues in intermediate or advanced stage dementia. A special swivel chair (called the Platinum Health Carousel) simply installs a rail that slides in and out of the tub. One person only needs to sit on the padded seat to slide in and out of the tub without having to climb over the edge or be lifted. carousel is availableHere.

three sided toothbrush
As dementia progresses, brushing your teeth becomes more difficult. A caregiver may need to take over and brush your loved one's teeth. Using a children's toothbrush is a good idea as the bristles are soft, but you should find one with a longer handle. Another good tool is the 3-sided toothbrush, whose bristles touch the tooth on all surfaces at once, making brushing faster and easier. The company Dentrust supplies a toothbrush with three headsHere.

tailored clothes
For people with dementia, one of the problems is havingdress or changethere may be difficulties with buttons or zippers. However, there are special garments that use tricks like velcro under fake buttons or slits in the back of shirts and pants (for wheelchair users) to make clothes more comfortable.dollars and dollarssells clothing options, including a one-piece with a zipper back designed to look like a shirt and pants, specifically designed for people with dementia who may be prone to inappropriate undressing.

Use of language assistants (Amazon Echo and Google Home) in dementia

Google Home and Amazon Alexa (also called Amazon Echo) are space-saving desktop devices that help people with dementia and their caregivers. Both devices can be programmed (by the caregiver or a loved one) to change the thermostat and turn lights and appliances on or off with a simple voice command. They can also play music, make phone calls, answer questions and tell jokes or riddles. The alarm function of both types of devices can be set to remind a person when it is time to take medication.
It is important to remember that these devices need to be configured in advance to respond to your loved one's voice commands. A person with dementia can only use Home or Alexa after someone else has spent time setting them up.

Amazon Echo Show
Another smart option is Amazon's Echo Show (starts at $90), which has a 5-inch screen and its drop-in feature that can be programmed to initiate two-way video calls without pressing a button. This means that when you receive a call, it simply appears and is immediately (visually) connected to the caller, without the moments of confusion so common on smartphones. Because the Echo Show responds to voice commands rather than a remote control or phone app, it's much easier for people with dementia to use. Your options are the same as Alexa: Echo can display videos and photos, play music, and tell jokes or riddles.

Google Nest Hub
Much like the Amazon Echo Show, the Google Nest Hub ($80 and up) is a 7-inch display that often looks like a digital picture frame (and can actually be programmed to scroll photos of loved ones when they they are not). used). ). The Nest Hub lacks the handy drop-in feature for the Amazon Echo Show discussed above, but the Nest Hub and Google Home voice assistants are known to answer questions based on Google's search engine better than Amazon's products. .

Another unique feature of Next Hub is controlling the brightness of your photos to match the room's ambient lighting so they don't look digital. This can be important for someone with dementia who is particularly sensitive to bright lights and distractions. If viewing photos is important to your loved ones, Google's Nest Hub is the best option.

Smartphone Apps for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Technology can be overwhelming for people with dementia, but the large touch surfaces of tablets and larger smartphones have made it easier for people with dementia, particularly in the early stages, to communicate or pass the time.

For entertainment/brain training
spiritual partner(free) offers daily activities and games to improve brain health and can be personalized for your loved one based on their level of intellectual disability. The app has mental exercises and even physical exercises and tracks progress. Includes nutrition tips and clips from classic movies, songs and TV shows from decades past.

My 3D coral aquarium(free) is highly recommended for people with dementia. The app lets you customize a pool with fish swimming across the screen, which could calm someone with Alzheimer's. The fish react to touching the screen just like in a real tank.

We will create! pottery(free) offers an activity that calms and stimulates creativity. Just tap the rotating clay to flatten your pages into a unique vase or flowerpot and save your favorites to a collection.

for safety/care
It's finished!($2.99) isn't for reminders, but it lets you confirm that important tasks have already been completed. You don't remember if the stove went out or if you took the medicine? Look for a tick in the application. You can also send emails to your loved ones to confirm that everything is over.

talking mats(free) allows the user to communicate through images and icons. Ideal for those who find it difficult to speak and explain, talking rugs can express specific ideas (there are images for scenarios and actions) and emotional states.

of the rainbow(free) is for caregivers who need to make a space, such as a home or hospital room, more comfortable for a person with dementia. Dubbed the "dementia design audit tool," the app assesses the space and provides a report with suggestions such as color contrasts and lighting improvements that can significantly improve your loved one's comfort and safety.

care zone(free) is a useful tool to manage all medical care, useful for someone in the early stages of dementia and caregivers in the later stages. The app easily organizes medication lists, sets reminders to take medications, requests refills, and tracks doctor appointments.

Futuristic technology to help people with dementia

telepresent robots
A pricier ($12,000!) but futuristic and spectacular option is Giraff, a "telepresence robot" that lets you visit your loved one and move around the house without actually being there. Giraff is a display in a mailbox that is remotely controlled via a mouse over the internet. Giraff has sturdy wheels so it can move freely and the screen can be tilted up and down. Operated by remote control, it can make your loved one feel like they are in the room, as well as allow you to visit them remotely and check if there are any problems around them, such as security risks or disturbances.advance.

pet robots
Studies have also shown that a low-maintenance pet reduces anxiety and behavior problems in people with Alzheimer's or related dementia. Well, it requires no less maintenance than a robot cat specifically designed to help the elderly. Joy For All's Companion Pet ($99) is a cat that has realistic fur and purrs designed to simulate a real friendly cat's purr. It moves realistically and sensors allow it to respond to pets and hugs. He even turns around to rub his belly. At night, he yawns and falls asleep. He meows too, but not too much.advance.

portable detection devices
These are still under development, but worth mentioning. Companies are working on wearable devices such as pocket key chains or special watches that record data including how a person walks, heart rate and sleep patterns. The data will be analyzed by artificial intelligence and could be used to diagnose a person with dementia before symptoms appear so that healthcare professionals can identify them. This would be a game changer because early detection is the most important part of treating dementia symptoms. HeEarly detection of neurodegenerative diseases(EDoN) announced the project in 2020 and hopes to launch it widely within three years.

Brille Augmented Reality
Another promising technology expected in the coming years is assistive smart glasses (or augmented reality glasses) for people with early or intermediate stage dementia. AR glasses encourage independence by helping the wearer stay safe and helping them find objects, get directions, or learn the names of people the wearer sees. Glasses can show a person information about what they are looking at in a large, easy-to-read font, in a way that doesn't block the view. The AR glasses would also work like some of the previous devices: tracking while walking, alerting emergency services in the event of an accident like a fall, and setting up "geofences" to determine whether the wearer has left a designated safe area.