Dementia affects nearly one million people in the UK, with one in two people impacted during their lifetime.

This condition creates daily challenges for patients and caregivers alike.

Else London has developed a solution called “Instinctively” – a wearable device that helps people with dementia perform daily tasks by embedding routines into memory.

How Instinctively Works

Instinctively uses a discreet wearable device that provides timely prompts to guide users through their daily routines. The system works through:

• Location-based recognition that understands where the person is in their home
• Sensory cues that notify users when to start a routine
• Step-by-step guidance through familiar tasks like handwashing or medication
• Contextual prompts that reduce confusion by delivering information at the right time and place

The technology focuses on procedural memory, which often remains intact longer than other memory types in people with dementia.

By creating consistent habits through regular prompts, Instinctively helps users maintain independence longer.

Benefits for People with Dementia

People living with dementia face a frustrating loss of autonomy as the condition progresses. Instinctively addresses this challenge by:

• Preserving independence in daily activities
• Reducing confusion during routine tasks
• Building confidence through successful task completion
• Maintaining dignity by decreasing reliance on caregivers for basic needs
• Creating a more predictable daily structure

One test participant shared: “The gentle reminders help me stay on track without feeling like I’m being monitored all the time.”

Support for Caregivers

Caregivers experience significant physical and emotional burdens when supporting loved ones with dementia. Instinctively offers caregivers:

• Peace of mind knowing routines are being followed
• Reduced time spent on basic care tasks
• The ability to customize routines to individual preferences
• A collaborative approach to care planning
• More quality time with their loved ones

The system allows caregivers to focus on meaningful interactions rather than constant reminders about daily tasks.

Recognition and Development

Else London’s work on Instinctively has gained significant recognition:

• Winner of the Alzheimer’s Society Innovation Fund Accelerator
• Recipient of two BIMA Gold Awards for Trailblazer and Social Good
• Completed two rounds of product validation with real users

The company has tested the proof-of-concept with volunteers in their homes, working directly with people with dementia and their caregivers to refine the technology.

Future Plans

Else London has completed its partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, which culminated in validating a working proof-of-concept.

The company now seeks additional support to advance Instinctively to an open beta launch.

During testing, researchers identified other groups who might benefit from the technology beyond those with dementia.

Else London is now validating the concept with these additional audiences.

The Growing Role of Wearable Technology in Dementia Care

Instinctively joins a growing field of wearable technologies designed to support people with dementia. Other examples include:

• GPS-enabled devices that help prevent wandering
• Smartwatches that monitor heart rate and sleep patterns
• Accelerometers that analyze walking patterns to differentiate between dementia types

These technologies provide real-time health monitoring and increased safety for users while giving caregivers valuable information and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Else London’s Instinctively represents an important advancement in dementia care technology.

By focusing on both the person with dementia and their caregiver, the system creates mutual benefits that make living with dementia more manageable.

The wearable device preserves independence and dignity for people with dementia while reducing caregiver burden.

As the population ages and dementia rates increase, innovations like Instinctively will play a crucial role in improving quality of life for millions of affected individuals and their families.

For more information or to get involved with the project, interested parties can contact Else London directly.