“There’s an app for that!”

“There’s an app for that!”

As Dementia continues to affect the aging world around us, we are increasingly seeing innovative approaches to cope with the disease. Have you tried any Dementia or memory-related apps yet? In this blog post we will speak to and rate the various Dementia-based apps on the market. There are an array available, speaking to brain health, risk factors, and even consultation-based! However, quite a few of them are created for healthcare professionals. Read on and comment your thoughts! Remember, it is always safe to contact your primary care physician when trying a new app or beginning a new health regime!

Dementia Test – Risk Calculator of Dementia

Created by Pears Health Cyber, the Dementia Test is a very complex yet precise tool to calculate risk with developing Dementia in the near future. The app utilizes their own algorithm (a predictive math equation) that calculate your answers to assess your risk. As per the app description, the Dementia Test app offers the following: Dementia risk test; disease information; option to send test results via e-mail; test date reminders and; tips and tricks to reduce your chances of developing the disease. Pears Health Cyber has also created a fleet of health-related apps, including to melanoma, heart health and Diabetes.

My Review:

This is a free and simple app. The app asks 11 questions, which speak to daily practices, hygiene and memory (questions often asked by a Geriatrician). If the user has a ‘high risk’ score, it advises the user to consult their primary physician. This app interestingly allows you to compare multiple scores; however, the app does not have a dashboard (an overview of multiple scores allowing comparison; e.g. comparing month-to-month ratings). The app however will allow you to track your, or your loved ones’ risk for Dementia. If this app was not free, I would not recommend the purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Tips for Families

This app alludes to guidance, advice and support; we have Peter Ericksen to thank for this app. Due to strenuous and extensive hours of care, Dementia is a very difficult disease for families and caregivers to cope with. This app provides fast and easy advice for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s or Dementia via educational videos, focusing on common issues, questions and realities. These types of apps are becoming increasingly needed and important; caregiver burden and strain is becoming more and more evident as aging individuals continue to live in the community and in their own homes.

My Review:

Amid the strenuous and long download (due to the video content), this free app looks promising at first glance. If you download this app, be sure not to exit the screen as that will halt the loading of the videos. Via the download page, I can already see the questions that allude the video topics. ‘Why does my aunt remember things from 50 years ago but not 5 minutes ago?’ ‘Why doesn’t Mom remember things I just told her last night?’ ‘Why does my partner just sit there and not do anything all afternoon?’  Once the videos loaded, I realized there are two main components of the app: Questions and Topics. The free version offers 11 Questions that lead to topics and videos, as well as two topics. If you purchase the app, you receive an additional 21 questions, and five topics. Each topic breaks down to 6-7 sub topics. Questions and sub-topics lead to the educational videos. The videos are quite short (lasting approximately 30-120 seconds), but are clear and speak directly to the topic. You can also favorite the videos to save for later! There is also a script provided. I do enjoy the content of the videos. This is a great app for caregiver support.

                     

Dementia Support

The Swedes (Swedish) do it well! Aimed at family and friends of people with Dementia, their prerogative is to make daily life easier for individuals with the disease, as well as their family members. Created by Swedish Care International, the free app consists information and support, as well as specific advice and tips for those wishing to learn more about disease.  Despite being developed in Sweden, the app can operate via English, German and Portuguese.

My Review:

Provided on the ‘Welcome!’ page, the app proclaims to feature “…inspiration and advice on how to increase the quality of life on both the patient and the caregiver.” This is truly my favorite dementia app to ever come across! The app clearly derives from a ‘strength-based model,’ which focuses on enhancing and acknowledging an individual’s strengths despite the challenges (e.g. physical strength). This app allows a gateway to register on their support-network-all you need is to input your name and email address.  Although this app does not have the most usable and pleasing interface (the point of interaction between the user and the screen), it does promote healthy coping, inspiration, as well as support to those involved.

       

Dementia Help: Pathways Through Dementia

This app aims to provide various information and educative materials about legal issues to living with Dementia—an interesting take. The app offers legal tips, advice, and an ‘Ask Us’ section. The app also features a blog with relevant with few topics. This blog often speaks to businesses who want to support their staff who may be/are caring for someone with memory problems, as well as presenting/offering advice to the community/public.

My Review:

Jam packed with a help hotline, this app speaks to a very niche audience, those looking for legal guidance with caring for individuals with Dementia. The areas they cover include: managing finances on behalf of someone; lasting power of attorney for health and welfare; community care laws; welfare benefits and personal budgets. This educational app does not have a pleasing interface, although it is quite easy to use (large buttons and fonts). My favorite feature of this app is the “Find me, my car or home” feature. This map feature allows a user to find a certain location with a ‘timer.’ I am not entirely sure of its purpose as it is not self-explanatory. This app is however very interesting, and may be useful to someone seeking legal advice.

 

To conclude our small app adventure, I want to emphasize that our caregivers in our community need and deserve more support, resources, and connection (at their fingertips!). Innovation will continue to thrive and develop to support the ever-changing needs.

Have you tried any of these apps? Do you have any recommendations? If so, please comment below!