technology Archives - Alzheimers Support

Alzheimer’s apps can help find the wanderer, Id the person with dementia, keep the time for those who have lost sense of time

Alzheimer’s apps help those with dementia stay safe. For the millions who have Alzheimer’s, their loved ones and caregivers, every day can present different obstacles. Yet while it may sometimes feel like it, you’re not alone; there are an estimated 5.2 million people in America fighting this cognitive disease. With Alzheimer’s, accomplishing everyday activities often requires a whole new approach. And Alzheimer’s apps can help.

For all the conveniences technology brings us, persons with Alzheimer and their support team stand to benefit as well. Mobile phone applications and wearable devices can now help to fight the effects of the disease, organize and manage medication and physician appointments, and, in some cases, even take steps to prevent the disease.

It’s all part of a rapidly expanding sub-section of the health industry striving to innovate the way we communicate with both our doctors and our bodies themselves.

There are a range of Alzheimer’s apps available on the market now.

Below are just a few:

Brain Map – As the official app of the Alzheimer’s Society this is a must have and is really a fascinating piece of technology even if you’re not using it for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. What the app does is allow you to upload a picture of yourself or someone else, and it superimposes a 3-D image of a brain over it. From there you can look at, examine, and study the different parts of the brain and learn what their functions are. The app also has a specific section on Alzheimer’s with lots of valuable and new information.

Clevermind – This app was created by Glenn Palumbo, who experienced great difficulty in finding the right resources to help his father after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He told Cult of Mac, “based on my personal experience with my father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 78, I realized there was a need for a comprehensive app that tailored to my father’s condition, so I decided that I would create one.” Palumbo developed an app specifically for seniors that engages them in games that boost cognitive abilities and is entertaining to boot.

MIND – Created by GE Healthcare along with a team of neurologists, MIND (Make an Impact on Neurological Disorders) is designed not only for those who have Alzheimer’s, but those with Parkinson’s or a history of a stroke that resulted in brain damage. What the app does is incorporate music, which has been shown to be beneficial to cognitive function, with art in a multi-sensory experience that encourages creativity as well as memory training.

tweri – Designed in collaboration with the Association of Relatives of Alzheimer’s, this is an app that gives caregivers what they crave most: peace of mind. What the app does, once downloaded onto the phone of a person with Alzheimer’s, is give them freedom and safety while keeping their loved ones and caretakers informed. Through the app a caretaker can set maximum distances and time limits for walks and/or drives.

Alerts are sounded when the patient has exceeded the maximum distance from their home or have been away from home longer than the time that was pre-established. Once the alert is sent, their GPS location is shown immediately. It also features an alert button that messages caretakers if your loved one is out on a walk or drive and becomes disoriented, lost, or just needs help.

While none of the aforementioned apps are by any means a suitable replacement for necessary medical attention and supervision, they serve as helpful tech tools for the Alzheimer’s care community. And the tech-savvy side of the medical world is only projected to grow from here.

Many health professionals envision a day, not far from now, when patients will able to seamlessly connect with their doctors and “share” their symptoms.

“Yet as the new wearables market produces more specialized care products we must not lose sight of the privacy issues that could arise if security is not properly integrated.” says Tim Cannon of HealthITJobs.com. “With a flood of new hardware, and software entrants to this growing space, the handling of sensitive health data must be done with great care.”

As the realms of healthcare and technology continue to merge, we can look forward to seeing better, safer, tech options to help those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers solve the everyday challenges of this disease.

Author: Beth Kelly is a technology and security blogger, who primarily covers topics pertaining to healthcare tech, energy efficiency, and home security. You can follow her on Twitter at @bkelly_88

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Seniors using Technology Stay Home Longer, especially if they have early stage Alzheimer’s

Smartphone technology and other wearable gadgets are hugely popular right now, and users have been realizing that no matter your lifestyle, these devices can assist with the ease of daily tasks and health.

This technology isn’t just for the young or health-obsessed, either – it can also be used to improve the care of patients with Alzheimer’s.

Automated devices that can be installed at home are incredibly beneficial for caretakers and their loved ones and allow the person with Alzheimer’s dementia to remain at home longer.

More new innovations in Alzheimer’s care include:

GPS tracking devices: Many caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients are wary of their loved one walking too far away from home and being unable to find their way back.

Devices with programmable GPS systems help relieve the worries associated with the wandering that is symptomatic of Alzheimer’s.

These devices allow caregivers to track where their loved one is, even if they have left a pre-designated boundary. GPS trackers come in the form of small battery powered devices, cell phone apps, or even shoe inserts. These devices will send alerts via phone or e-mail that the wearer needs help getting home safely.

Home Monitors: Home monitoring technology isn’t exactly new, but there are many recent improvements on older tech designs.

Already, technology has been developed to facilitate motion sensors on the front door, chairs and couches, and elsewhere in the home, to alert caregivers if there is too little activity over a period of time, or if their actions differ from the norm.

Monitors under mattresses can also be installed, with the ability to detect if the senior in bed is beginning to exhibit irregular pulse or respiratory patterns. For older Alzheimer’s patients, using these tools to catch early warning signs and symptoms can be make a drastic difference.

Wearable pendant or wristband: Wearable monitoring devices are some of the most reliable products for knowing if your loved one is safe at home. Worn around the neck, on the wrist, or pinned on clothing, they are discreet and waterproof so that they can stay on at all times.

Designed with a help button that will alert the wearer’s caretaker or an emergency response team if the wearer is in trouble or suffers a fall. These devices are produced by some of the biggest names in home security, like ADT (see SecurityChoice.com for details) and can also send alerts every 30 days to ensure they are working properly.

Automated home features: Aging seniors with Alzheimer’s symptoms are liable to forget to perform many simple tasks at home. Little things like neglecting to turn off the stove, blow out a candle, or take important medications can have life-threatening implications. There are now automation systems on the market that can be programmed to assist Alzheimer’s patients as they continue to live independently. These systems can be programmed to turn off the gas if your loved one forgets, and also switch electronics, lights, and other home appliances off on a timer.

Coming Up Next – Apple iWatch: While still in the prototype phase, there have been many rumors and speculations swirling about the launch of Apple’s new “iWatch.” An iWatch, or similar wearable technology, could be a powerful tool for people with Alzheimer’s.

This device could be worn like a watch, but would perform like a highly sensitive computer or smartphone. It’s still in the prototype phase, but reports say that the iWatch will be capable of monitoring everything from sleep patterns to glucose and calorie consumption.

The number of innovations in automated home systems and other technology over the past few years has been remarkable. Technology, the next frontier in the crusade to help Alzheimer’s patients and others live longer and more comfortably, promises a variety of new ways to provide compassionate care.

Author bio: Beth Kelly is a technology and security blogger, who primarily covers topics pertaining to healthcare tech, energy efficiency, and home security. You can follow her on Twitter at @bkelly_88

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