Azer Jaafoura and a few of his colleagues at Samsung Electronics Tunisia (SETN) worked with the Tunisian Alzheimer’s Association and 3SG BBDO to create a smartphone app called Backup Memory, which functions as a memory stimulator for those exhibiting early signs of Alzheimer’s.
The app helps patients become aware of their immediate surroundings by identifying nearby family members and friends, while also reminding patients about their relationship with each person and memories they’ve shared in the past through photos and videos.
Backup Memory uses Bluetooth to search for other smartphones running the same app, and connects to those devices when they’re within a 10-meter (33 feet) radius.Backup Memory uses Bluetooth to search for other smartphones running the same app, and connects to those devices when they’re within a 10-meter (33 feet) radius. Once connected, Backup Memory displays information about the nearby person, presuming the data has been manually inputted or uploaded onto the app.
The Tunisian Alzheimer’s Association tested Backup Memory to make sure it would be useful for Alzheimer’s patients.
“We’ve had some Alzheimer’s patients try out Backup Memory, and we’ve seen good results,” said Dr. Meriam Labidi, a geriatrician and a member of the Association. “With Alzheimer’s, what is lost is lost forever. Through cognitive stimulation, patients can hold onto their memory for a little longer and slow down Alzheimer’s devastating effect.”
The application is available in English and French, and is free to download from Google’s Play Store.
Going forward, Samsung’s team is looking to expand on Backup Memory’s functionality, adding new features and brushing up the user interface. One of those features is expected to rely on a smartphone’s GPS signal to provide family members with the real-time location of their loved ones.
“We are satisfied with the progress so far, but we’d like to do more. There is so much good you can do with technology, and I’d like to think that we’re just getting started,” Azer said.