The Memory MateCS 410

Preston NoePreston Noe

“Within the last eight months, I’ve been at war with the cooker. …I also forget what time I put things in the oven – even if I repeat it to myself a few times and keep looking at the clock. If I do something else, go upstairs, for example, I cannot remember what time the food went in no matter how I try.”-Margaret

Problem Statement

• People suffering from Alzheimer’s forget to complete basic tasks that can result in severe physical injury or death.

What is Alzheimer’s

• Degenerative brain disorder• Destroys memory and ability to learn• Early stages are marked by

forgetfulness• Duration of disease is 3 to 20 years

Alzheimer’s statistics

• 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s• Cost of caring is estimated at $100 billion

each year• By 2050, as many as 16 million may have

disease• 7 out of 10 with AD live at home

Welcome the Memory Mate

• System includes a Personal Digital Assistant and multiple sensors

• Sensors are connected to any device that might present a hazard if not turned off or closed

• Bluetooth technology communicates with sensors notifying the Memory Mate that a device still needs attention

PDA to be used• PDA style cellular phone

– Would allow vibrate mode for hard of hearing• Possible PDA would need Bluetooth

compatibility and GPS compatibility• Possible Phones include the Sony Ericcson

s710a and the Handspring Treo 600

Bluetooth Technology

• Point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections allow wireless communication between Bluetooth enabled devices

• Sensors would relay data using Bluetooth connection to the Memory Mate

SENSORS

Types of Sensors

• Temperature Sensor– For use in the oven

• Pressure Sensor– For use in doors

• Power Sensors– For use in other appliances

Benefits of Memory Mate

• People with Alzheimer’s will be able to keep their independence longer

• A longer period of independence leads to less medical costs

• Those caring for Alzheimer’s patients have the reassurance of technology

Why is the Memory Mate not the best solution?

• Patients may not like to carry the PDA with them– The MM supports graphic capabilities that will

befriend patients by displaying family photos• Patients with AD are too old to be

comfortable with the technology– The Baby Boomer generation is already used to

technology, and are quickly reaching the stage where AD first surfaces

Added Benefits of the Memory Mate

• GPS enabled– Allows caretaker to track the patient

• When caretaker and patient have the MM– Both devices are notified so caretaker has

greater access to the hazardous situation• MM can notify using vibration, audio or

visual feedback– Visual, and auditory disabilities are dealt with

Why is this a good CS 410 Project?

• The technology exists!– Software to integrate system is very possible by the

completion date of this project• Large corporations such as Intel and Microsoft are

putting research money into projects like this one– Intel funds 1 million for Alzheimer’s technology

research• Cost is low and reward is high

– Prototype costs estimated < $300,000– 3.15 million AD patients live at home

Sources• http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Real_lives/People_with_dementia/

How_dementia_affects_you/index.htm• http://www.alz.org/Resources/FactSheets/FSADFacts.pdf• http://www.alzmass.org/factsheets/fact_sheet_statistics_12_01.htm• http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,113490,00.asp• http://www.sonyericsson.com• http://www.sensorsmag.com/articles/0800/90/main.shtml• http://www.sensorsmag.com/articles/0900/89/main.shtml• http://www.xbow.com/Products/productsdetails.aspx• http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/kevinmaney/2004-02-10-

maney_x.htm• http://www.alz.org/Media/newsreleases/2004/083004_grants.asp

Questions?