The Best Dementia Gadgets for Enhancing Memory

The Best Dementia Gadgets for Enhancing Memory By Helene Cross, Clinical Support Specialist at Loveday

Memory loss and cognitive decline are among the most challenging aspects of dementia, affecting the daily lives of individuals and their families. To support those living with dementia, innovative gadgets are being constantly developed, often in collaboration with those living with dementia and their loved ones.

Below is a list of dementia gadgets to help enhance memory function. These tools are designed to address specific needs related to memory, time orientation and communication, offering practical solutions to help individuals maintain their independence and wellbeing.

1. Sensory Boards, Blankets and Mats

Sensory stimulation is crucial for individuals with dementia, as it can help reduce agitation, improve mood and enhance overall cognitive function. Sensory boards, blankets and mats are designed to provide tactile and visual stimulation through various textures, colours and activities.

Why They Are Useful:

• Engagement: These items can keep individuals with dementia engaged, reducing feelings of boredom and isolation.
• Calming Effect: The sensory input can have a calming effect, helping to alleviate anxiety and restlessness.
• Cognitive Stimulation: Regular interaction with sensory materials can help stimulate the brain and maintain cognitive abilities for longer.

2. Dementia Clocks

Time orientation is a common issue for people with dementia, leading to confusion and disorientation. Dementia clocks are specially designed to display not only the time but also the day, date and whether it is morning, afternoon, evening or night.

Why They Are Useful:

• Reducing Confusion: Clear, easy-to-read displays help individuals living with dementia to keep track of time and day, reducing confusion and anxiety.
• Routine Maintenance: Helps in maintaining a daily routine by providing a constant reference point for time.
• Independence: Assists in promoting a sense of independence and confidence, as users can easily check the time and date without needing to ask carers.

3. Picture Phones

Often, individuals living with dementia can recognise faces even when they cannot recall a name or phone number. Picture phones provide an invaluable tool for these situations, allowing carers to programme the phone with photographs of each person who may need to be contacted. When they tap on the photo, the phone will automatically dial that individual.

Why They Are Useful:

• Enhanced Communication: Picture phones allow people to easily contact their loved ones and carers by tapping on a familiar face, enabling communication even when they struggle to remember names or phone numbers.
• Increased Safety and Independence: These devices empower people to reach out for help or companionship with a single press, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing their ability to live more independently.
• Reduced Cognitive Load: By eliminating the need to recall specific details such as names or numbers, picture phones lower the cognitive burden on people living with dementia, making daily interactions more manageable and less frustrating.