An App For Dementia?

To be honest I would not even know where to begin as to expected functionality but with AI emerging like the cicada does every 17 years or so, hard and no stopping it(them).

Has anyone ever thought of building an App to help a dementia patient get through their day/week/month?

If not, would it make sense to delve into it on a financial end and if not is there enough need to create one as a help mate for those with that issue?

Your idea is great, to implement it I think it will be very difficult

Well, my mom has it and maybe I´m to close to it, but I can`t see how it would help her. But sure there are different stages, maybe if they are young and got an app early on. My best guess is human contact though over an app.

Maybe someone else has a better idea though than me.

I have done extensive research on this (I have family members with Alzheimer's) and so I feel I am in a place to respond to this.

Now there are two segments in this realm -

1. Caregivers
2. Patients (With early onset cognitive decline, yet the ability to manage themselves or live rather independently)

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Then you can do extensive sub-niching when it comes to either. The present market state is extremely segmented.

For instance, Caregiving Organization Apps - Primary Caregivers can often be more than one. For instance, an ailing mother with 4 children who'd like to share responsibilities.

- Medication
- Hospital Visits
- Counselling/Rehab Visits
- Home Visits
- Groceries

These people can split responsibilities, costs, time. They can prepare a calendar, onboard other family members. Communicate internally. Upload doctor's notes etc.

Ref - Lotsa Helping Hands

Then you have your standard Meditation/Brain Exercise Apps - these apps (the one's that offer higher engagement than for instance the more famous Headspace and Calm etc.) are quite incredible for patients who've just begun experiencing cognitive decline.

Ref - Insight Timer

Post this, you have Cognitive decline trackers - These are extremely rare. But I believe are an important part of the puzzle. Demential Australia has something called BrainTrack which I found to be an incredible piece of software

Ref - BrainTrack

Then you have the traditional Medication Reminders/Management apps

Ref - Medisafe

And finally, you have apps that work as a checklist/reminder app for people experiencing cognitive decline (and the associated anxiety)

Ref - It's Done

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Now, in my opinion, a winning product would be that takes all of this and combines them into one app.

The same app when used by the patient manages their medication, helps them sleep better or manages their anxiety, gives them a checklist, tracks their cognitive decline.

The same app when used by the caregivers helps them overlook all of this, manage the assistance for the patient, gives them realtime status on the patients.

The app goes beyond that, it can include features such as -

Safety Tracking - Tracking patients, their sleep cycles, their physical location etc.

Environment Management for Dementia - Partners with something like Iridis which is an incredible research backed app from University of Stirling (Scotland) that provides ideas and guidance on environment for dementia patients (everything from color palette, to home lighting to noise etc.)

Brings Medical Professionals into the Play - The app can either be a portal providing insights to medical professionals managing the patients, or a qualified team from the app can sit as a buffer between the caregivers and the medical team.

Uses the Apple's Fall detection API - Apple has a brilliant fall detection API called CMFallDetectionManager - using this caregivers can be notified instantly as soon as the wearer falls.

Samsung has something similar through their Samsung Health API - Samsung Events Monitoring

Sidenote - There's also CMDyskineticSymptomResult for dyskinetic movements.

Everything from reports, to optimization of appointments, to modification of in-home care can thus be managed.

//

My $0.02

I have barely skimmed the surface. But a few weeks of dedicated research can obviously identify the gap in this. LLMs can be employed to provide customizability. There's also scope for AR/VR to be utilized.

BlogPro said:

I have done extensive research on this (I have family members with Alzheimer's) and so I feel I am in a place to respond to this.

Now there are two segments in this realm -

1. Caregivers
2. Patients (With early onset cognitive decline, yet the ability to manage themselves or live rather independently)

//

Then you can do extensive sub-niching when it comes to either. The present market state is extremely segmented.

For instance, Caregiving Organization Apps - Primary Caregivers can often be more than one. For instance, an ailing mother with 4 children who'd like to share responsibilities.

- Medication
- Hospital Visits
- Counselling/Rehab Visits
- Home Visits
- Groceries

These people can split responsibilities, costs, time. They can prepare a calendar, onboard other family members. Communicate internally. Upload doctor's notes etc.

Ref - Lotsa Helping Hands

Then you have your standard Meditation/Brain Exercise Apps - these apps (the one's that offer higher engagement than for instance the more famous Headspace and Calm etc.) are quite incredible for patients who've just begun experiencing cognitive decline.

Ref - Insight Timer

Post this, you have Cognitive decline trackers - These are extremely rare. But I believe are an important part of the puzzle. Demential Australia has something called BrainTrack which I found to be an incredible piece of software

Ref - BrainTrack

Then you have the traditional Medication Reminders/Management apps

Ref - Medisafe

And finally, you have apps that work as a checklist/reminder app for people experiencing cognitive decline (and the associated anxiety)

Ref - It's Done

//

Now, in my opinion, a winning product would be that takes all of this and combines them into one app.

The same app when used by the patient manages their medication, helps them sleep better or manages their anxiety, gives them a checklist, tracks their cognitive decline.

The same app when used by the caregivers helps them overlook all of this, manage the assistance for the patient, gives them realtime status on the patients.

The app goes beyond that, it can include features such as -

Safety Tracking - Tracking patients, their sleep cycles, their physical location etc.

Environment Management for Dementia - Partners with something like Iridis which is an incredible research backed app from University of Stirling (Scotland) that provides ideas and guidance on environment for dementia patients (everything from color palette, to home lighting to noise etc.)

Brings Medical Professionals into the Play - The app can either be a portal providing insights to medical professionals managing the patients, or a qualified team from the app can sit as a buffer between the caregivers and the medical team.

Uses the Apple's Fall detection API - Apple has a brilliant fall detection API called CMFallDetectionManager - using this caregivers can be notified instantly as soon as the wearer falls.

Samsung has something similar through their Samsung Health API - Samsung Events Monitoring

Sidenote - There's also CMDyskineticSymptomResult for dyskinetic movements.

Everything from reports, to optimization of appointments, to modification of in-home care can thus be managed.

//

My $0.02

I have barely skimmed the surface. But a few weeks of dedicated research can obviously identify the gap in this. LLMs can be employed to provide customizability. There's also scope for AR/VR to be utilized.

Click to expand...

It does appear you spent ten minutes researching this... HOLY SMOKE! that is thorough.

Have you looked into combining these and also adding a piece or two to make a complete app?

BassTrackerBoats said:

It does appear you spent ten minutes researching this... HOLY SMOKE! that is thorough.

Have you looked into combining these and also adding a piece or two to make a complete app?

Click to expand...

I have considered it.

But it's one of those "Great concept, no available resources to execute" bit for me.

The tech is all entirely accessible. You need sturdy, dependable infrastructure to ensure your communications and updates are all flowing seamlessly.

But then you'd need to allocate a significant amount of time to this (or hire someone full-time who can enhance your vision). Beyond the tech aspect, there's a lot of negotiations, compliance that needs to come into play.

But that's when you go the full monty.

If you decide to do this in parts, it'd be much easier.

For example, a decent team of developers could knock out an app like Lotsa Helping Hands in a couple weeks (especially with AI in the mix)

BlogPro said:

I have considered it.

But it's one of those "Great concept, no available resources to execute" bit for me.

The tech is all entirely accessible. You need sturdy, dependable infrastructure to ensure your communications and updates are all flowing seamlessly.

But then you'd need to allocate a significant amount of time to this (or hire someone full-time who can enhance your vision). Beyond the tech aspect, there's a lot of negotiations, compliance that needs to come into play.

But that's when you go the full monty.

If you decide to do this in parts, it'd be much easier.

For example, a decent team of developers could knock out an app like Lotsa Helping Hands in a couple weeks (especially with AI in the mix)

Click to expand...

I'd be interested in this as a free app, no ads, no revenue stream, product and would be fine to be a part of the build out process.

I think it could be a huge asset looking at some of the rising dementia levels I'm seeing in the US and I'm sure it can be easily set up for many different languages.

BassTrackerBoats said:

I'd be interested in this as a free app, no ads, no revenue stream, product and would be fine to be a part of the build out process.

I think it could be a huge asset looking at some of the rising dementia levels I'm seeing in the US and I'm sure it can be easily set up for many different languages.

Click to expand...

The second half of 2025 looks like it'll be relatively lighter on my shoulders (I am gradually moving away from consulting).

If things fall into place, I'd be willing to give this a try. (Even if an MVP at first).

Language/Internationalization/Localization are no problem. And you're right on the dementia levels rising (the global population is aging afterall).

Another bit I forgot to mention in my earlier message was integration with eldercare services. In-home caregivers, grocery companions, elderly sitters etc.

Basically a simple marketplace of these services with clear pricing, qualifications, reviews etc.

Want someone to do a grocery run for your dad?

Josh is available. He's 21. Has 282 reviews. Has been on he platform for 2 years. Goes to xx college. Has his own car. Charges $x.

Simply upload a list of groceries, Josh will head to the store, get the stuff and deliver it to your dad.

No caregiver available on a school day for your aunt?

Emily is available. She's 28. Is a registered nurse. Has been on the platform for 3 years. Has 177 reviews. Charges $xx for 8.00 AM to 8.00 AM. Can cook, clean, take your aunt for a walk.

//

Tap a button and enhance your care.

Stripe has an API to manage this end to end. From payments to Payouts.

BlogPro said:

The second half of 2025 looks like it'll be relatively lighter on my shoulders (I am gradually moving away from consulting).

If things fall into place, I'd be willing to give this a try. (Even if an MVP at first).

Language/Internationalization/Localization are no problem. And you're right on the dementia levels rising (the global population is aging afterall).

Another bit I forgot to mention in my earlier message was integration with eldercare services. In-home caregivers, grocery companions, elderly sitters etc.

Basically a simple marketplace of these services with clear pricing, qualifications, reviews etc.

Want someone to do a grocery run for your dad?

Josh is available. He's 21. Has 282 reviews. Has been on he platform for 2 years. Goes to xx college. Has his own car. Charges $x.

Simply upload a list of groceries, Josh will head to the store, get the stuff and deliver it to your dad.

No caregiver available on a school day for your aunt?

Emily is available. She's 28. Is a registered nurse. Has been on the platform for 3 years. Has 177 reviews. Charges $xx for 8.00 AM to 8.00 AM. Can cook, clean, take your aunt for a walk.

//

Tap a button and enhance your care.

Stripe has an API to manage this end to end. From payments to Payouts.

Click to expand...

Let's get together when you have that time as you know this is going to consume a lot of time but has the opportunity to make the world a better place.

I'm not looking to make this commercial but rather something that can help people the world over.

There are a million ways to get it out there, and about a half a million that will offer advice (I can set up a CPA offer as a loss leader for that even), and a hundred million that would need it.

BassTrackerBoats said:

Let's get together when you have that time as you know this is going to consume a lot of time but has the opportunity to make the world a better place.

I'm not looking to make this commercial but rather something that can help people the world over.

There are a million ways to get it out there, and about a half a million that will offer advice (I can set up a CPA offer as a loss leader for that even), and a hundred million that would need it.

Click to expand...

Consider it done. You inspired me to up my game a bit more as I walk out from core consulting

I'll be in touch.

BlogPro said:

Consider it done. You inspired me to up my game a bit more as I walk out from core consulting

I'll be in touch.

Click to expand...

It's going to be more than we think, as it always is, but I'm anchor up on as many levels as I can be here.

BassTrackerBoats said:

It's going to be more than we think, as it always is, but I'm anchor up on as many levels as I can be here.

Click to expand...

Oh yes, I am aware of that. I have undertaken bigger projects and it can get extremely taxing. But if we invest sometime in planning this thoroughly - Have our projections, third party reliance, infrastructure costs, loss leaders etc. in hand and work with realistic timelines. We can implement a very realistic CI/CD pipeline to achieve this. It's pretty doable.

BlogPro said:

Oh yes, I am aware of that. I have undertaken bigger projects and it can get extremely taxing. But if we invest sometime in planning this thoroughly - Have our projections, third party reliance, infrastructure costs, loss leaders etc. in hand and work with realistic timelines. We can implement a very realistic CI/CD pipeline to achieve this. It's pretty doable.

Click to expand...

I'm so looking forward to this project with you.

BassTrackerBoats said:

I'm so looking forward to this project with you.

Click to expand...

Likewise. I did not wake up today thinking this would happen.

As I already told you, super motivated at the moment to get things going.

One of the adoption obstacles for such an app right now would be that many people with dementia are not used to using apps. But as time goes by, more and more elderly people would be a lot more at home on a smartphone, so such an app would become a lot more usable. AI can surely be a valuable resource to add. The problem with AI is reliability and reliability is one of the most important aspects that such an app needs to have. As the populations in the developed world keep getting older and older, the shortage of caregivers for the elderly will become more and more acute, so the value of any software that makes the elderly more independent or their caregivers more efficient, is certain to go up with time.

If somebody has the resources, time and ability to develop such an app, I have no doubt that it can become a very valuable business in the long run.

Just to put my few cents in, if you need any promotion, I think everyone here in the community would be willing to help.

Your project idea is very well thought out. It's a long process, but it can be done. It would be nice if there were applications that provide solutions not only for this disease but also for the products that celiac patients are looking for.