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Memio: Externalizing Memory for Early-Onset Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

Memio

When a grandmother hesitates to try a new product designed to combat the effects of her dementia, her grandson helps overcome her fears to improve both their lives.

For more information, please visit http://scalar.usc.edu/works/memio/index

According to the American Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and by 2050 that number is projected to rise to 14 million. This project uses the technique of design fiction in order to posit a memory aide: Memio, a device meant to combat the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia through the externalization of memory. Memio’s design combines the voice recognition of devices such as Alexa or Google Home with the facial recognition and on-screen projection capabilities of augmented reality software. Conceptually, the device would record the conversations and events in the daily life of early-onset Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and output that information at the appropriate time. In this way, patients would rely on the device for help with daily tasks as an alternative to assisted living. This project not only focuses on Memio’s ability to help patients regain the human connection they lost to the disease but also highlights current technical limitations. Memio seeks to store and retrieve recent memories, not long-term memories that early Alzheimer’s and dementia patients often retain. By showing a humane use of technological innovation, Memio aims to inspire hope rather than fear.

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Written and Directed by Matt Hanisch
Produced and Sound Design by Angelina Feronti
Cinematography by Ashley Ågren
Production Design by Noël Dombroski
Art Director - Ryan Galliher
Edited by Aodhan Ozawa Burns and Matt Hanisch
First Assistant Director - Emily Hadley
Gaffer - Tony Tehle
Original Score by Mickey Mann
Starring Kate McIntyre, Danny Breslin, and Kelsey Peterjohn

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WHY WE DO IT
"My grandmother currently suffers from early-onset dementia. I wanted to create a short film to raise awareness about the reality of the disease, inspire hope that the symptoms can be overcome, and remind viewers that even thought dementia patients seem forgetful, they are still fully-rounded human beings." - Director's Statement