Member Article

Dementia app launched to aid independent living

A new app designed to help people living with dementia to manage their condition and live more independently has been launched by a Newcastle-based company.

MindMate brings together brain-training games, reminder tools and advice on nutrition and exercise in one easy to use app, allowing people with dementia to live independently for longer and giving peace of mind to family members.

The MindMate team first began searching for a solution when Co-Founder Rogelio Arellano’s grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Without knowing enough about the disease and without sufficient support, he cared for his grandpa until he passed away.

The resulting application has been developed based on research that shows that brain exercises can improve user’s cognitive abilities and slow down memory loss and in consultation with University of Glasgow’s Geriatric medicine department.

The app has been tested on 100 people living with dementia and their families over the last month, with usage stats and feedback monitored in order to make minor adjustments to the app before its general release.

MindMate Co-founder Gabriela Matic said: “We researched the current market and discovered there were few apps available that combined reminder and note taking tools with memory training games, health information and forums.

“With an increasingly aging population dementia is now a condition that will impact most people and place a huge strain on public health resources.

“Over 65’s are the fastest growing adopters of tablet technology in the English speaking world so we aim to utilise this technology and empower people living with dementia to live independently for longer, and give families and friends peace of mind that their loved ones are taking medication and able to carry out everyday tasks.”

MindMate was founded by four University of Glasgow and Strathclyde University graduates and combines expertise in health care knowledge, business strategy management and sales & marketing expertise.

The app has already scooped numerous awards including being named one of the 5 most promising ideas by the Digital Health & Care Institute and the team have already developed a partnership with Alliance Healthcare.

MindMate are currently part of the Ignite 100 Accelerator programme, Europe’s angel-led accelerator programme, based at Campus North in Newcastle City Centre.

Ignite 100 partner Tristan Watson said: “MindMate is a particularly exciting opportunity because the technology has the potential to benefit so many people in such a direct way. We’ve invested because we believe the team has all the skills necessary to make this business a success, and we’re really looking forward to helping them progress.”

To find out more about MindMate please visit www.mindmate-app.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Amy Watson .