![]() “These may seem like small things but to those living with the illness it means a lot to them. Instead of using the word ‘disease’ we learned to use the word ‘illness’,” explains Amy. “People with a form of dementia do not ‘suffer’ they ‘live’ with it. Learning key terminology was important in the development of the ‘ForgetMeNot’ app. What features would they use and like to see.” “We asked those living with the illness, carers and medical professionals what they would like on this app. Throughout every stage of this process, Amy and Niamh have strived to ensure that the app is user-centred. She also sang her grandmothers favourite songs from childhood to her. Amy and her siblings read poetry and books to her stepmother while Niamh used photos albums to reminisce on the past. We recognised this gap and wanted to create a bridge,” explains Amy.īoth women have experience using reminiscence therapy practices to communicate with loved ones. “We have both seen firsthand that it can be difficult to communicate with those living with the illness and vice versa. Niamh’s other grandmother is currently living with dementia. Amy’s stepmother lived with Alzheimer’s and one of Niamh’s grandmothers also lived with dementia. This project is personal for both Amy and Niamh. “Communication is such an important thing for someone with dementia to feel sense of self, boost mood and slow down cognitive decline.” These three features allow families and carers to use moments of the past to trigger memories in the present. For Voice Recordings you are able to record your own voice, you could read over their most loved poem or simply leave a short recording ‘Mum, I’m off to the shop and I will be back later’.” “With Music you will be linked to Spotify and you will be able to search all of your loved ones favourite songs from the past. “For Photos you are able to upload photos from your phone and create albums, for example, ‘John and Mary’s Wedding Anniversary’ or ‘Chloe’s Christening’,” explains Amy. ![]() The app has three main features Photos, Music and Voice Recordings. ![]() Each user will interact with the app differently but the result will be the same, to connect, remember and talk about memories of the past.” “There are three main users of the ForgetMeNot app: the loved ones, the person living with the illness and the carer. Worldwide it is estimated that 55 million people currently live with dementia.Īmy Boyden explains how the app will work. In 2018, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland estimated that 55,000 people in Ireland live with a form of dementia and that it will more than double by 2050, with an expected figure of 141,200 people. There are 400 different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s the most common form. App creators (l-r) Amy Boyden and Niamh Murray.ĭementia is a broad term that is used to describe the loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities that influence daily life. ![]() A joint initiative between UCC Law graduates Amy Boyden, a Bantry native, and Niamh Murray the ‘ForgetMeNot’ app was developed after extensive research into reminiscence therapy and testing with some of Ireland’s leadings care associations. A new reminiscence therapy app aimed at aiding communication between people with dementia, their loved ones and caregivers is due to launch in August. ![]()
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