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Dec 9, 2015
AARP Explores New Technologies Supporting Dementia Care
Dementia Care Technology and Innovation Forum Sparks Creative Thinking on an Important Social and Health Issue

En español 

WASHINGTON, DC­—AARP kicked off its recent Dementia Care Technology and Innovation Forum in an inventive way, with a viewing of the musical, TANGLES. This musical by The New Theater of Medicine's,Jeffrey Allen Steiger (Artistic Director/Writer/Composer) and Dr. Charles Samenow (Program Manager) depicted the many complexities involved with caring for a loved one with dementia, and inspired a lively discussion on real world issues and challenges individuals with dementia and their caregivers face. This discussion was followed by two interactive panel discussions and a product pitch event focused on innovative technologies providing dementia care solutions.

“We wanted this forum to be different from the usual all-day lectures that many are accustomed to when they come to an event like this,” said Sarah Lock, AARP Senior Vice President, Policy, Research and International Affairs. “This unconventional setup allowed us to think more creatively about the issue of dementia care and the solutions that we can pursue.”

Several technology providers presented their solutions for dementia care at the Driving Action: Live Pitch session held at the end of the forum, which included pitches from:

  • Constant Therapy: a science-based mobile continuous therapy tool for patients
  • Emerald: an innovative home monitoring system that can detect falls, heart rate and other variables wirelessly
  • Neurocern: a diagnostic tool to aid patients and clinicians detect symptoms of dementia
  • SingFit: a music therapy product that helps improve cognitive health and provides physical stimulation
  • Swedish Care International: a mobile app resource for early evaluation with ways to slow dementia
  • WindowMirror: a mobile memory aid application that helps people with dementia remember important names, relationships and other important information

The judges for the Live Pitch included Stephen Johnson, Aging. 2.0; Myriam Marquez, National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Advisory Council; Katherine Rosa, JP Morgan Chase, and Lynn Feinberg, AARP. Each judge offered a different perspective on the technology providers and several companies were called out as judge favorites. However, SingFit came out as the winner of the popular/audience vote as the product with the most potential.

For more information on what AARP is doing to solve dementia care challenges, please visit:http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/

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About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

CONTACT:
Tara Dunion, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia
Jessica Winn, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia