Alzheimer's might be an incurable disease but many studies conducted recently have shown that the disease's progression can be slowed down through mental stimulation in the form of regular reminders of past events. This is what compelled volunteers from Samsung Electronics Tunisia (SETN) to come up with an application that helps Alzheimer's patients. SETN marketing manager for mobile products Azer Jaafoura and a few of his colleagues decided to create this app and for this purpose they teamed up with the Tunisian Alzheimer's Associated and 3SG BBDO. The app they created is called Backup Memory and it works like a memory stimulator for people who are showing early signs of this disease.
The app helps these patients to become aware of their immediate surroundings by identifying nearby family members and friends, it also reminds them about their relationship with each person as well as the memories they have shared in the past through videos and pictures. SETN and 3SG BBDO worked together to develop this app and the Tunisian Alzheimer's Associated tested it to ensure that it would be useful for patients. Dr. Meriam Labidi, a geriatrician and a member of the Tunisian Alzheimer’s Association said that “We’ve had some Alzheimer’s patients try out Backup Memory, and we’ve seen good results.”
Azer and his colleagues are now working on the next major update for this app which will include more features and an improved user interface. One of the features they'll add will allow family members to see the real-time location of the Alzheimer's patient by relying on the smartphone's GPS. Backup Memory is now live on the Google Play Store and can be downloaded in two languages, English and French.
