According to the World Health Organization, 50 million people world-wide are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. As researchers continue their tireless efforts to find a cure, technology for Alzheimer's is helping people affected by the disease who wish to stay in their homes as long as possible, and their caregivers, address safety, quality of life, and communication concerns.

“Technology has the potential to help preserve independence, or at least maintain it, for many, many more years than is currently possible,” says Dr. P. Murali Doraiswamy, director of the neurocognitive disorders program at Duke University Health System. Examples of Alzheimer’s technology include home sensors, communications and personal navigational devices, and smartphone apps that I will describe in greater detail below.

Examples of Alzheimer’s Technology

Much of the focus of Alzheimer’s technology is to monitor Alzheimer’s patients to ensure they are safe and cared for, and to sustain their social and family contacts. Click "Read more" for examples of monitoring, communication, smart home, and other upcoming technologies for Alzheimer's patients and caregivers.