Lizzy Hogenson, MA
In the discussion about Memio, Lizzy was primarily interested in this product’s target demographic. If this technology is new to these patients, how easily can they adapt?
There is a segment of the population it would work for: those who have more experience with Google Homes or Alexa as memory devices. This product would be especially helpful for patients with early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The current treatment for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients is to slow down the symptoms, keeping those connections for as long as possible. A patient already used to product like Google Home or Alexa would be able to use Memio much easier. This product would help patients interact with physical spaces.
Familiar sounds and images would help ease that anxiety. Anything to stimulate the patients’ brain has an advantage. For dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, this most likely means introducing the product, and it’s voice, at an early enough stage when they can learn what it is and become familiar with it. It can be like another person in their life. However, if this feature is implemented, it is important that it can be either turned off or put on a setting where it can only be heard by the patient. The product yelling out information about a person’s name or relationship could cause significant distress and embarrassment for the patient.In terms of how the product works, Lizzy suggested that adding audio to the visuals of the glasses could be helpful if it’s not too over-stimulating.
In terms of the short film, Lizzy was most interested in seeing how the product would be implemented and set up, and how comfortable the patient would be with it.
Lizzy also touched on the issue of money and economic disparity, but she pointed out that if it could be justified as a medical expense, insure might be able to help cover the cost. In addition, she pointed out that the medical benefits this product provides could delay or even replace an assisted living situation, saving money for the patient and their family in the long run.
