AlzBuddy

AlzBuddy is an interactive memory care assistant aimed at engaging seniors, especially those living with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia. The app’s simple yet elegant design paired with its research-based typography emphasizes convenience, utility, and interactivity. AlzBuddy, downloaded over 7,000 times to date in over 30 countries, contains three core modules: Sounds, Games, and Pictures. The Sounds Module of AlzBuddy contains over 2,000 sounds: songs, commercials, speeches, karaoke, animal sounds, and more, all embedded directly within the application. Songs are categorized into three themes (“relaxed,” “groovy,” and “vibrant”) with top selections and hits across genres from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. The app helps spark great memories from the past by providing captivating tunes from Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson at the click of a button. Commercials include dozens of famous advertisements, grouped into several compilations, and users can hear political speeches ranging from FDR’s famous Four Freedoms Speech to Ronald Reagan’s First Inaugural Address. The Games Module of AlzBuddy contains six games, split evenly between games intended for individuals and those intended for group play. The three games for individuals are the Color Grid game, suggested by a medical professional to engage and challenge the user; a picture association game suggested by a nursing home, and a memory game. The color grid game requires the user to follow an instruction to color a specific button (in a grid of buttons the user can toggle) a particular color and check their answer with the click of a button. The game, which emphasizes the coordination and focusing skills of the user, is interactive and easy to understand. The picture association game helps reinforce important figures, objects, and events from history in a fun and engaging format. The classic memory game can be customized depending on the skill-level of the resident and involves toggling cards to make matchable pairs of colors or various customizable images. The three group games are the Trivia Game, Password Game, and Discussion Activity. The trivia game includes over 300 questions. Furthermore, the password game brings Charades to the next level with over 350 potential clues that users can act out for others to guess. Finally, the discussion activity contains almost 100 questions that users can ask each other; caregivers and loved ones can also ask these questions, getting some quality time with the people they care for. The Pictures Module of the AlzBuddy app includes a selection of over 800 pictures with descriptions. Images available include famous world figures (world leaders, athletes, musicians, and more) from 1950-1990, common animals, household objects, sports, holidays, elements of nature, and more. These images are aimed at helping the user remember and reminisce about key figures and items throughout their lives. Overall, the AlzBuddy app has functionalities capable of engaging seniors and helping them reminisce about great memories. This free app is an excellent addition to the device of any senior looking for friendly, engaging, and quality content in an inviting format.