Dementia Dilemma: An App That Helpse You Step into the Struggles of Dementia Patients
Dresden scholar clinches Apple programming challenge victory
In the realm of ingenious apps, a student from Dresden has taken the leading role by winning an Apple programming competition. His app, named "Dementi," offers users a glimpse into the life challenges faced by dementia patients, following his grandmother's battle with the condition.
The crux of the app lies in a memory game, comprising 16 images. While the game's rules seem run-of-the-mill, there's a twist: the images abruptly swap places after only three moves, resulting in confused choices. This misleading yet intriguing game simulates the difficulties dementia patients encounter in perceiving reality.
Hendrik Schulke, the creator of "Dementi," sought inspiration for the app during his beloved grandmother's struggle with dementia. Schulke expects this app to serve as an eye-opener for users, providing them with an emotional experience that encourages empathy towards those living with dementia.
Schulke, a master's student in media informatics, penned the app during his semester abroad in Vietnam. He anticipates that not only will the app deepen the understanding of children concerning their relatives' challenges, but it will also broaden awareness about dementia. Apple CEO Tim Cook was visibly impressed during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), praising the app for promoting understanding between people and fostering empathy.
Aiding Dementia Patients Beyond the Game:
My ALZ Journey - This app aims to support dementia patients and their families, offering personalized guidance, educational resources, and connections to local Alzheimer's Association chapters. The app does not require an account, and it's available for free on both Apple App Store and Google Play.
Memory Lane Games - Geared towards engagement and cognitive stimulation, these frustration-free games focus on memory, reasoning, and speech. They facilitate conversation, reminiscence, and emotional comfort, showing positive impacts on caregiver well-being and communication for people with dementia.
Roon – Answers from Doctors - This app offers a platform to connect users with expert medical professionals and a supportive community, answering questions about dementia and providing videos and community discussions.
TenderCare - Designed for caregivers, this app simplifies the management of seniors' daily routines and health by organizing vital signs, appointments, tasks, and providing medication reminders. It streamlines communication between caregivers and family members for efficient daily care.
GrandPad - With user-friendly navigation, simple video calling, and a secure platform for communication, this device is designed specifically for older adults, targeted towards people with limited tech experience.
These tools, along with "Dementi," work collectively to educate users about the challenges of dementia, providing support, engagement, and practical management aids.
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues: mental-health, health-and-wellness, and science, as the proliferation of applications like "Dementi" and other dementia-focused tools are fostering a growing interest in these areas, particularly in regards to understanding and supporting patients' mental health and overall well-being. It is believed that these applications can contribute significantly to scientific research and development in the field of dementia.
