Living with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia completely changes daily life, both for the person affected and their family. Amid medical appointments, forgetfulness, fears, and many doubts, technology has become a powerful ally. Today, there are many options available. Mobile and tablet apps designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's and for their caregivers, capable of providing security, companionship, stimulation and organization.
Far from being a simple "extra," many of these apps have been designed with the support of family associations, neurologists, psychologists, and geriatric professionals. Thanks to them, it is possible train memory, improve orientation, remember medication, locate the patient if they become disoriented or to have access to accurate information and practical advice on how to provide better care. Let's take a look, calmly and in detail, at what types of apps exist and which are the most useful ones you can find on Google Play (and in many cases also on the App Store).
The magnitude of Alzheimer's and why technology matters
In Spain, the data is compelling: it is estimated that there are approximately 800.000 people with some type of dementiaand more than half are dependent. The frequency clearly increases with age: around 5% of the population between 60 and 69 years old has dementia, a figure that rises to around 20% between 80 and 89 years old, and reaches approximately 30% between 90 and 99 years old, according to data from official bodies.
This growth is related to the progressive aging of the populationAs people live longer, the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative diseases also increases. Faced with this reality, many technology and healthcare companies have decided to invest in developing specific digital tools for Alzheimer's and other dementias. These tools are not intended to replace medical treatments or professionals, but rather to enhance their effectiveness. facilitate daily care, provide reliable information, and improve autonomy whenever possible.
Current apps cover a very wide range of needs. Some are focused on maintain contact with social and healthcare associations and resourcesOthers help locate day centers, residences, or professional services. There are also apps that offer cognitive training, educational programs for caregiversRelaxation tools, medication reminders, and geolocation systems to prevent loss are all available. The key is choosing the ones that best suit the stage of the illness and each family's situation.
Informative and caregiver support apps
One of the first needs after a diagnosis is usually to have access to clear, rigorous and approachable informationWhat is discussed in the consultation is not enough: the caregiver has doubts at all times and needs simple guidance, practical advice and the possibility of contacting others in the same situation.
Application “Alzheimer’s Disease” (CEAFA and related resources)
The app known as “Alzheimer’s” or “Alzheimer’s Disease”, promoted by the Spanish Confederation of Associations of Relatives of People with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias (CEAFA)It is a good example of a tool designed for caregivers. Its main objective is Connecting family members with the nearest reference associationso that they do not feel alone in the face of the illness.
This application allows for quick location family associations, residences, day centers, professional services, orthopedics and GPS device distributorsAmong other resources, it also offers a content block with practical information for daily care (transfers, hygiene, communication, managing behavioral changes, etc.), as well as a news section to follow. scientific advances, legislative changes and awareness campaignsIt is usually available for both Android and iOS.
I'll Take Care of You
YoTeCuido is another one application aimed at Alzheimer's patients and their caregiversBut with a very specific focus: clarifying doubts. It doesn't center on cognitive exercises or games, but on resolving the questions that arise in daily life, especially in the early stages of the disease or after a recent diagnosis.
The app offers organized content for the caregiver to consult. What is the disease, what are its phases, how to cope with behavioral changeshow to adapt the home environment or what social resources are available. All of this is presented in understandable language, designed for non-professionals. It is usually a free application and it is available on Android and iOS.
I-Alzheimer
Developed by the Alzheimer's Foundation Spaini-Alzheimer is an app that compiles essential recommendations for daily life. One of its distinctive features is that it includes what are called “10 Golden Rules”, a series of basic guidelines to better organize the days spent with the sick person and cope with 24-hour cohabitation.
These rules address aspects such as communication, patience, adapting to the environment, structuring routines and the importance of also taking care of the caregiver's physical and emotional health. The app is usually paid (at a moderate cost) and, although the investment is small, it can be very useful for those looking for a practical and concise guide on your mobile.
MIRELA / Mireia: education and emotional support
With names like Mirela or “Mireia” according to the reference, this app is designed specifically for caregiversIts approach is educational: it provides programs and materials on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, focusing on daily care, family adaptation, and emotional management.
Includes modules on relaxation, communication with the sick person, guidelines for coping with difficult situations and family therapy tools. All of this is geared towards families caring for people with dementia at home. It is usually available for Android and aims to be simple, clear, and free of distracting elements, following one of the basic principles recommended by experts: Simple interfaces without information overload.
Apps for cognitive stimulation and mental training
Another large family of applications are those intended for to stimulate memory, attention, language and other cognitive functionsThey do not replace professional rehabilitation, but they can be an interesting complement, especially in mild stages or in older people with mild cognitive impairment.
Stimulus / STIMULUS® Home
Stimulus (and its home version STIMULUS® Home) is a solution developed by the company Encoded Life, founded in 2013. Its objective is to work on the cognitive abilities of patients in order to slow the progression of symptomsThe app is based on the concept of teletherapy: the professional designs a personalized exercise plan and the patient performs them at home with a tablet or mobile phone.
The platform allows manage the evolution of several patients at the same timeIt programs activities in different areas (memory, attention, executive functions, etc.) and analyzes metrics such as the number of correct and incorrect answers or the time taken to complete each task. It is designed for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia and has already been tested, for example, in leading centers linked to the Imserso, with satisfactory results for professionals, patients and families.
Alzheimer's
Andzheimer is a tablet app designed for stimulate specific cognitive areasMemory, attention, gnosis (recognition), praxis (coordinated movements), language, and executive functions. This is achieved through various graphic exercises designed to facilitate generalization to real-life situations. remember objects, follow instructions, recognize images, etc.
The first version includes one exercise per category, while the Pro version expands the content to offer several different exercises for each areaIts focus is clearly therapeutic and it can be a support tool for rehabilitation centers, residences or for supervised use at home.
Brainy App / Brainyapp
Brainy App, initially developed in Australia in the environment of Your Brain Matters and the Bupa Health Alzheimer's Foundation Australia, is primarily focused on prevention and promotion of a healthy lifestyleTheir philosophy is based on the relationship between heart health and brain health: the better you take care of yourself, the lower the risk of dementia.
The app proposes an initial questionnaire about diet, physical exercise and lifestyle habits, and based on the answers it offers personalized recommendations and activities that are scored. The goal is for the user to reach a certain number of points each week (for example, between 400 and 500), which would indicate that they are performing enough actions beneficial to their brain and heart. It is usually available in Spanish and can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the App Store.
MindMate
MindMate is an application of Health and Wellness Very popular among seniors and users concerned about cognitive decline. It combines brain games, exercise routines, healthy eating tips, and educational content on healthy aging and memory.
Their games have been designed to work on processing speed, attention, memory, and problem-solvingBased on recent scientific research, the app allows users to plan daily activities, access nutritious recipes, and read articles that explain in simple terms how to care for the brain as we age. It is available on both Google Play and the App Store and is especially useful for people in the early stages of cognitive decline or those at increased risk due to family history.
Lumosity
Lumosity is one of the programs of brain training best known worldwide. Their app offers a wide collection of games that work on memory, attention, cognitive flexibility, mental speed, and problem-solving, with a very visual and attractive presentation. You can read Everything you need to know about Lumosity.
The system adapts the difficulty to the user's strengths and weaknesses, and offers detailed performance statisticsThere is a free version, with limited access to a few games per day, and a premium subscription that unlocks the entire catalog, comprehensive tracking, and personalized plans. Although not designed exclusively for Alzheimer's, it can be a Interesting support for elderly people or those with memory problemsprovided that the level of complexity does not generate frustration.
Witty Words
Witty Words is a word game specifically designed for older people who want to keep their minds active and reduce the risk of dementia while having fun. This is supported by studies suggesting that crossword puzzles and word games can improve certain cognitive abilities in old age.
The app includes Pleasant landscapes, original words, and growing challengeswith the aim of entertaining while stimulating memory, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills. It relies on options similar to the best crossword apps It's free with ads, but you can make a one-time purchase to remove them. It's available on Google Play and the App Store and can be a great addition for those who enjoy classic pastimes.
Apps to remember objects, dates and find your way
As the disease progresses, one of the biggest challenges is the disorientation and loss of reference at home or outdoors. Forgetting where things have been left or what day of the week it is is also common. Some developers have created specific apps to help with these issues.
Refresh my memory
Refresh my Memory is an application designed to help you remember where have the objects been left around the houseThe user (or caregiver) can register the location of certain important items (keys, glasses, wallet, remote controls, etc.) in the app and then quickly consult it when needed.
It is available in several languages, such as Spanish, English, and French, and can serve as practical support in initial or intermediate phasesProvided the person retains some independence with their mobile phone. For caregivers, it's a simple way to note "where we've put everything" without having to memorize everything.
Alzheimer's Day of the Week
This app, in English, focuses on one very specific aspect: announce the day of the weekIt is designed for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers who want to facilitate the temporal orientation of the sick person without having to repeat it continuously throughout the day.
The app can display and announce aloud what day it is, helping to reduce the anxiety generated by time-related memory gapsIt is a simple but useful tool to reinforce routines linked to specific days (for example, "today is Tuesday, it's time to go to the day center").
CanPlan
CanPlan is an English-language app designed to support in the organization of tasks and activity sequencesAlthough its description is sometimes confused with that of Alzheimer's Day of the Week, its usual focus is to help break down complex activities (getting dressed, preparing a simple meal, brushing teeth) into simple steps with visual support.
Through photos and short texts, the application guides the person step by step, facilitating autonomy in basic activities of daily livingIt can be especially useful in mild-to-moderate stages, when the person can still follow instructions but needs structured support.
MEMBR
MEMBR is a highly innovative solution developed by Supertruper and the Vitalia Group. Its objective is guiding the person with Alzheimer's within their own home, covering the memory gaps that can cause blocks when faced with everyday objects or places.
The app combines with adhesive labels with barcodes These labels are placed in different locations around the house (such as the bathroom door, the wardrobe, the refrigerator). The caregiver photographs each label with their mobile phone and records a description or voice instructions (for example, “Here is the bathroom” or “Your underwear is in this wardrobe”). Later, when the person with Alzheimer’s scans the label with their mobile phone, they can listen to the message that helps you recognize the place or objectThis makes it easier for the person to move around their usual environment more safely.
Apps for remembering and recalling loved ones
In addition to classic cognitive exercises, tools have emerged that focus on reminiscence and personal memory banks, which seek to reinforce identity and emotional bond through meaningful photos, videos and audios.
Backup Memory
Backup Memory, originally developed by Samsung, is an app designed to Alzheimer's patients and their familiesIts concept is that of a "vitamin-enhanced memory album": it allows the creation of a repository of images and content that help the sick person recognize their loved ones and remember important moments.
Although it is not a formal medical treatment, it can be an interesting resource for to promote reminiscence, to reduce anxiety from not recognizing faces and to foster meaningful conversations between patients and their families. The app has been available in at least Spanish, English, and French, and generally works on Android devices.
AlzhUp
AlzhUp is a more complex platform, combining a memory bank with a scientifically based and approved therapyIt is part of a comprehensive cognitive activation program for people with Alzheimer's disease (PACID), tailored to each individual.
The system allows you to create a personal memory archive in the cloudPhotos, videos, and recordings are used to support various therapeutic activities. The algorithm attempts to simulate how the brain organizes these experiences and, based on that, suggests exercises and activities tailored to each person's life history. AlzhUp can be managed by both professionals and families and has received recognition for its innovation in the field of Alzheimer's.
Gallopinto Calendar
Gallopinto Calendar is a calendar, clock and agenda adapted For caregivers of elderly people with dementia, Alzheimer's, cognitive impairment, or simply memory problems. It is available in multiple languages ​​(Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Chinese), making it easy to use in multicultural environments.
The application is designed to keep in one place the Key temporary information: date, time, appointments, reminders and relevant activities, with an accessible design. For many people with mild or early cognitive impairment, these types of digital calendars can be an important support in helping them feel less lost in their daily lives.
Apps for medication reminders and health
One of the most delicate tasks in Alzheimer's care is the medication controlTaking pills at the right time, in the correct dose, and without missing any doses is essential, and often falls entirely on the caregiver. Medication reminder apps have emerged as a key aid.
Medication Reminder
This application, available in several languages ​​(including Spanish, English, and Italian), offers a simple interface for program medication alarmsThe user can record which medication to take, in what quantity, at what times, and for how long. The app sends notifications when it's time to take the medication.
It is especially useful in homes where they are managed multiple drugs or complex regimenshelping caregivers reduce errors and oversights. Furthermore, many versions allow for tracking approximate adherence, which is valuable for medical appointments.
medisafe
Medisafe is an application of medication management and pill reminder Highly visual and popular, available in English and other languages. It features virtual pill organizers, customizable notifications, and the ability to record not only pill intake but also health parameters such as blood pressure and glucose levels.
One of its advantages is that it allows multiple family members or caregivers are connected to the same accountreceiving alerts if the person forgets to take their medication. This provides added security in cases where the patient maintains some autonomy but is beginning to experience frequent forgetfulness.
BetterHelp and emotional well-being apps
Although not exclusively aimed at Alzheimer's, platforms such BetterHelp They offer online psychological therapy that can be very relevant for both caregivers and people with mild cognitive impairment who retain decision-making capacity. BetterHelp connects users with licensed therapists and allows sessions via chat, video call or messages, with a weekly or monthly subscription.
Their costs are usually within an approximate range of $65 and $100 per weekPrices vary depending on the country, promotions, and preferences. For a caregiver under intense emotional strain, having this type of professional support from home can make all the difference in managing stress and psychological burnout.
Breathing, sleep and relaxation: Breathethe
Wellness apps like Breathe (Breathe) are also interesting in this context, even though they are intended for a general audience. They offer guided meditations, sleep music, breathing exercises and content for managing anxiety and stress.
The free version offers access to a limited portion of the content, while a paid subscription unlocks the entire library. For a caregiver who has little time for themselves, dedicating a few minutes a day to a guided meditation or listening to a relaxation track can be helpful. reduce tension and improve rest.
Geolocation and security apps
Disorientation in outdoor spaces and the tendency to wander are among the biggest fears for families. That's why apps and devices have been developed that allow to locate the person in case they get lost or that monitor whether he leaves areas considered safe.
Come
Acércate is an application that allows keep track of the person with dementia at all times, both by family members and, in some cases, by professional services such as those of the EULEN Group. The app allows users to define safety areas (entry and exit zones) and receive alerts when these areas are crossed.
In addition to showing the location, Acércate sometimes integrates with support devices or services, so that if the person becomes disoriented, the caregiver can act quickly and ask for help. These types of solutions combine well with wearable devices (watches, pendants, etc.) that the person carries with them without even noticing.
Send
Senda is presented as a geolocable SOS device linked to a mobile appThe patient wears the device and, in the event of an emergency, can press the SOS button or be located by family members. Key location data and, in some cases, additional information relevant to care are received via the family's mobile phones.
These types of solutions provide enormous peace of mind to families, because They reduce the fear that the sick person will go out alone and not be able to return.Combined with safe zone apps and alerts, they can help the person maintain some autonomy on their everyday walks.
Tweri and other security apps
Applications like TweriDeveloped in collaboration with associations of relatives of Alzheimer's patients, they follow the same line. They allow the person with dementia Go for a walk or do daily activities more independently.while the caregiver receives an alert if the person leaves a safe area or if too much time has passed without any news.
With these tools, a delicate balance is sought: respecting the autonomy and dignity of the sick person, but without ceasing to prioritize their safety and the peace of mind of the family.
Dementia-friendly design: Iridis
Not all apps focus on the person; some focus on the environment. Iridis is an application developed in collaboration between Space Group and the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, and its mission is to help evaluate and improve the design of spaces to make them more friendly to people with dementia.
The free version of Iridis allows owners to rate to what extent is your home suitable for a person with dementiaoffering advice on lighting, colors, contrast, furniture, and noise reduction. Their approach stems from the evidence-based idea that good design can help maintain independence and quality of life for longer.
There is also a paid professional version, priced at approximately ÂŁ14,99 per month or ÂŁ52,99 for six months, aimed at professionals and organizations in the social and healthcare sector who want to apply accessible design criteria in residences, day centers or other public spaces.
Apps specifically for Alzheimer's and other dementias: new proposals
In addition to those already mentioned, numerous applications have been developed with original approaches that complement the care and well-being of people with Alzheimer's.
My ALZ Journey
My ALZ Journey is a free app created by the Alzheimer's Association for people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia, and for their caregivers. It is organized into four main sections: Home, Library, Community, and Activity Center.
In the Home section, the user follows a kind of guided roadmap With information and resources available from the moment of diagnosis, although you can also explore the topics in any order you prefer. The Library brings together educational content from ALZ.org about the disease, care, future planning, and frequently asked questions.
The Community area allows you to connect with the local Alzheimer's Association office to find nearby support groups, events, and resources. Finally, the Activity Center includes interactive tools and creative activities to stay active, plan, and learn care strategies. The app is personalized based on the user's role (diagnosed person or caregiver), location, and specific situation, and guarantees data confidentiality.
Timeless, the app created by a girl
Timeless is an app designed by a 12-year-old developer, Emma Yang, who was looking continue communicating with her grandmother who has Alzheimer'sIt integrates two main tools: an update system with photos of family members and a facial recognition module that labels faces to help the user know who is who.
In this way, every time the person sees a photo or receives an image, the application can show them the name and the family relationship of those who appear, reducing the anxiety associated with "I don't know who you are" and facilitating smoother conversations.
GreyMatters
GreyMatters combines gamification, memories and music to help people with Alzheimer's keep their minds active and connect with their life story. It is organized into sections such as "My Games," "My Life," "My World," and "My Music," where playful activities are combined with reminiscence elements.
The purpose is for the patient to be able to play, remember and enjoy music of their lives while promoting interaction with family and reducing isolation. Music, in particular, has been shown to have a strong positive impact on people with dementia, awakening emotions and memories even when language is severely impaired.
Experts' views on app use in dementia
Professionals such as neuropsychologists from state reference centers, for example from State Reference Center for the Care of People with Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias (CREA)They agree that the use of apps can be advisable in many cases of Alzheimer's and other dementias, provided they are chosen and used well.
They emphasize that there are applications designed to cognitive neurorehabilitation, emotional well-being, entertainment, support for daily living, social contact, and physical activityThey also highlight apps for caregivers, focused on advice, information or safety (geolocation), and remind us that what is important is not the app itself, but the real positive impact it generates in the life of the person and their environment.
Experts warn, however, that Apps cannot replace the work of a neurorehabilitation professional.Because they are designed for the general public, they often lack the flexibility needed to fully adapt to the characteristics and needs of each patient. They also recommend that the applications be simple, with few distractions and no intrusive advertising, something that unfortunately is not always the case, especially with free apps.
Alzheimer's and other dementias are already one of the leading causes of disability in old age; mobile applications offer valuable but complementary support: they allow organizing medication, training the brain, strengthening autobiographical memory, improving safety, and providing emotional support to the caregiverChoosing the right app, adapted to the stage of the disease and the person's preferences, can make daily life a little easier and improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family, providing calm, security, and small moments of shared well-being. Share this information and more users will learn about this tool.