A Mobile Informatics Solution to Aid in Memory

Abstract This Fast Track SBIR project will develop an informatics system to assist people with memory impairmentEarly stages of Alzheimerandapos s and Alzheimerandapos s related dementia often causes memory concernsPersons with Memory Concern often cannot match names with faces or cannot recognize faces with a sure feeling of familiarityPersons with Memory Concern may have difficulty remembering the names of family members and friends or may address them with a wrong nameThey recognize the faces they see dailysuch as a spouse or caregiverbut they may confuse visiting friends and grandchildrenThe inability to remember names or relationships contributes to isolation and deeply affects their social livesThe proposed solution is a Smartwatch Reminder system to conspicuously provide this information to the Persons with Memory Concern when neededThis system will automatically transmit pictures and relevant information to a smartwatch worn by the Persons with Memory Concern when family or friends visitThe system will be evaluated on the target persons with memory concern population to measure engagement and improvements in social interactions and quality of lifeThe research team is highly experienced with the Persons with Memory Concern population and includes software engineersa human factors expertand experimental study experts Project Narrative Millions of Americans have dementiathe loss of mental functionse gthinkingmemoryand reasoningwhich interferes with their daily functioningWhile some cases of dementia are caused by medical conditions that can be treatedmost cannot be reversedHencethe focus switches from treatment to palliative carei edeveloping a plan to make life easier and more comfortable for individuals with dementia and their caregiversThe proposed project will develop an important tool to improve the quality of life for persons with dementia