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Best Dementia Apps for Seniors and Their Caregivers

15 minute readLast updated January 16, 2024
Written by Nirali Desai, memory care writer

In this technologically advanced world, apps have become a means to maintain relationships, health, lifestyle, and more. Over time, apps have been created for every niche — including apps for Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients. Individuals with dementia can use specially designed apps to stimulate their minds, engage with loved ones, or keep track of day-to-day activities. Family caregivers can also utilize dementia apps to help ensure their loved one’s health, safety, and well-being.

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Benefits of apps for seniors with dementia

A recent study revealed that people living with dementia and their family caregivers may benefit from using mobile technology to facilitate care.[01] Dementia apps can help loved ones with dementia stimulate their cognitive skills and complete activities of daily living (ADLs) while providing their caregivers with social support.

Useful apps for dementia patients

Nowadays, iPhone and Android users have access to several apps that help engage a loved one with dementia. The dementia apps listed below can be found on Apple’s App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) to help stimulate the mind, enhance mood, soothe dementia symptoms, and offer reminders for daily tasks.

Lumosity

Used by over 100 million people worldwide, Lumosity offers a range of brain-training exercises for dementia patients to practice the skills that matter most to them. With free and premium versions, this app’s cognitive training program has over 40 activities for memory, speed, logic, problem-solving, math, and language skills. The free version gives access to a limited number of games and features for those who want to try the app out before they subscribe.

AvailabilityiOS and Android

Subscription cost: $11.99/month or $59.99/year

AmuseIT

AmuseIT is a user-friendly app that stimulates the brain and promotes conversation among dementia patients, their caregivers, and their loved ones. This app is designed to help dementia patients engage through over a thousand simple quiz questions and visual components. Questions and images serve as effective communication strategies to tap into past memories and spark conversations. Customization options are also available to accommodate shaky hands, cognitive levels, and more. The iOS app is only available to download on the iPad, as it is designed and recommended only for tablet use.

AvailabilityiOS and Android

App cost: $4.99 on iOS or $3.49 on Android

Memory Lane Games

Memory Lane Games offers a set of memory games designed to help trigger happy memories, support reminiscing, and promote relaxation. The company’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers through an accessible digital app. Caregivers felt that the app’s activities helped their loved one with dementia feel more relaxed, according to a clinical trial done by the company in 2022.

Availability: iOS and Android

Subscription cost: $9.99/month

Constant Therapy

Constant Therapy was designed by clinicians and scientists at Boston University to help people with aphasia, dementia, and other speech and neurological disorders. People with dementia can practice speech, memory, reading, math, attention, comprehension, and other daily skills using evidence-based exercises. This app offers a customized program tailored to goals you can add in the app.

This app also has a clinician version, enabling medical professionals to virtually assign therapeutic assignments while tracking their patients’ progress. Through the app, clinicians send customized cognitive therapy programs straight to a patient’s phone or tablet, rather than handing out worksheets that can be misplaced easily.

AvailabilityiOS and Android (Clinical version: iOS and Android)

Subscription cost: $29.99/month

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SingFit

SingFit is a therapeutic music platform designed to help improve the health and mood of patients with cognitive decline. The app for people with dementia was founded by a brother-sister team whose mother was diagnosed with dementia. One is a certified music therapist and the other is a technology industry veteran.

As founders who understand the struggles that come with dementia, they hope to ease the journey for others through this music therapy app that enables dementia patients to sing. The app’s therapeutic algorithms tailor music to the user’s age, health condition and goals. Its unique lyric cuing feature also helps ensure a fun and successful singing session.

AvailabilityiOS and Android

Subscription cost: $11.99/month

MyReef 3D Aquarium

Out of all the dementia apps out there, MyReef 3D Aquarium is universally praised by dementia patients and their caregivers. This app offers a virtual simulation of a soothing aquarium and enables users to look after over 40 species of vibrant fish. Users can decorate the tank, zoom in on fish, “tap” on the glass, and feed fish. The realistic animations offer dementia patients a therapeutic experience while calmly engaging their minds.

AvailabilityiOS and Android (free)

App cost: $2.99 for ad-free version on iOS

It’s Done!

Remembering daily tasks such as taking vitamins, turning off the stove, or locking the door can become difficult due to dementia symptomsIt’s Done! features an easy-to-use interface with 40 daily tasks to help dementia patients remember to-dos. App users can check off their tasks as they do them and can also create their own task list to remember unique tasks.

Constant notifications on the phone can be overwhelming, so this app lets the user check off items as they’re completed. It’ll even notify chosen contacts about completed tasks, so loved ones can rest assured about locked doors or timely medications.

AvailabilityiOS and Android

App cost: $2.99

MindMate

Developed by three young adults caring for individuals with cognitive decline, MindMate serves as an all-in-one resource and is one of the best free apps for dementia patients. It was developed based on the latest research on dementia and helps curtail some of the effects of cognitive decline. Dementia patients benefit from brain-engaging games, nutrition advice, and exercise programs that keep the mind and body healthy.

AvailabilityiOS and Desktop/PC

Nymbl

Dementia patients are prone to confusion and wandering, which puts them at an increased risk for falls. To minimize this risk, Nymbl offers balance training tools, fall risk assessments, digital balance screenings, and more to prevent falls and improve independence. This app was developed based on 35 years of clinical research and is only offered through health insurance providers. Check with your provider or fill out an interest form on the Nymbl website to check your eligibility.

AvailabilityiOS and Android

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Resourceful apps for dementia caregivers

Apps can serve as an educational resource for family caregivers to help make caring for a loved one with dementia easier. Use these apps to learn more about dementia, its side effects, solutions and fund research efforts:

A Walk Through Dementia

A Walk Through Dementia was developed by Alzheimer’s Research UK to help people understand what everyday life can be like for dementia patients. Guided by real-life dementia experiences, this app poses virtual dementia challenges at the supermarket, on the road, and in the home through immersive videos that put caregivers and loved ones in the shoes of a dementia patient. It’s an app designed to promote empathy and understanding, so caregivers can provide quality care.

AvailabilityiOS and Android

Alzheimer’s Daily Companion

Alzheimer’s Daily Companion serves as a robust resource for dementia family caregivers. This app for Alzheimer’s caregivers includes over 500 searchable tips and practical solutions directly from memory care specialists. Caregivers can use this app to access training materials and information on how to deal with difficult dementia behaviors and situations. Caregivers can even share their own advice on the app. Plus, the app offers 24-hour caregiving assistance via phone or email for any information that may not be covered in the app.

AvailabilityiOS and Android

ALZ Fundraising

Created by the Alzheimer’s Association, ALZ Fundraising allows loved ones to take their fundraising efforts on the go. Although this Alzheimer’s app doesn’t serve as a resource for caregivers, it does help loved ones support the funding for Alzheimer’s care, support, advocacy, and research. Funding efforts apply to the association’s events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day.

Availability: iOS and Android

Other helpful technologies for dementia patients

In recent years, there have been several technological developments for memory care. To make caring for a loved one with dementia easier, look for the following types of technologies to enhance your loved one’s life:

  • GPS trackers. A GPS tracker can offer caregivers peace of mind. Knowing your loved one’s exact location can help ease concern about their wandering.
  • Senior-friendly cellphones. Depending on your loved one’s stage of dementia, some new cellphones may be overstimulating and confusing. Look for phones with simple, user-friendly features that suit their individual needs.
  • Dementia-friendly watches. Specially designed watches can help detect falls, prevent wandering, track heart health, and much more. Use them to help you keep track of your loved one’s well-being.

These days, there are ever-developing apps and technologies that can simplify daily life for dementia patients and their caregivers. From engaging brain exercises and therapeutic activities to checklists and caregiving resources, modern apps for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias continue to make difficult situations more manageable.

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  1. Ye, B., Chu, C. H., Bayat, S., Babineau, J., How, T., & Mihailidis, A. (2023, October 12). Researched apps used in dementia care for people living with dementia and their informal caregivers: Systematic review on app features, security, and usability. Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Meet the Author
Nirali Desai, memory care writer

Nirali Desai is a senior copywriter at A Place for Mom specializing in memory care and life enrichment topics. Previously, she worked in marketing and social media, edited a regional senior magazine, and wrote for the American Red Cross. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

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