How AR technology is helping those living with dementia
16 September 2024
The Dorothy Community app: a semi-finalist entry for the Longitude Prize on Dementia
Since the launch of the Longitude Prize on Dementia in September 2022, innovators from every continent have been developing advanced solutions. Each designed to help improve the independence of people living with dementia. In June 2023, a total of £1.9m was awarded to 24 semi-finalist teams, each producing a digital solution.
Among those selected is an app designed to help people communicate effectively, bridging gaps caused by “broken” speech, a common challenge as dementia advances. A second is for high-tech glasses utilising facial recognition to help individuals recognize familiar faces, provide reminders and alerts, and facilitate navigation.
Another is the Dorothy Community app.
Designed by Care City, the advanced app uses augmented reality (AR) to create a digital yellow brick road that offers directions via large, high-contrast icons, colourful arrows and clear pathways displayed on screen; helping people living with dementia navigate their area independently.
App in action
We caught up with Care City at Wembley Stadium to see the Dorothy Community app in action. Tested by people living with dementia, it demonstrated just how useful the app can be.
Finalist stage
In October, five finalists will be selected to each receive an additional £300,000 in funding to build real-world prototypes. Ultimately, a £1 million first-place prize will be awarded in 2026, driving further advancements in dementia care.
