Decoding Dementia 2019 Winners

Dementia Australia has announced the winners of Decoding Dementia 2019, an initiative to inspire the use of technology to break down barriers and support people living with dementia. 

The winners are: Matiu Bush for Audio Kinetic Jukebox; Nan Yu for My Dementia Companion; Nicc Johnson for Muru Music; and Anne-Louise and Mark Underwood for the MemBo Noticeboard.

Dementia Australia Executive Director Operations Leanne Emerson said the opportunity to be part of finding the next technology solution was exciting.

“Dementia Australia has been a trailblazer in using technology to improve dementia care and we are proud to have led this project which should deliver even more solutions for people living with dementia so they can remain socially-included, accepted, independent, able to access high-quality health care and connected with the people and places they want,” Ms Emerson said.

The four winning entries were chosen by an expert panel and will receive a share of up to $200,000 in in-kind support, with Dementia Australia to co-design the support package with the winners based on their needs. 

The winning ideas at various stages of start-up and concept are:

• MemBo Noticeboard, an app which displays appointments, notes and photos on tablets and mobile phones, replacing the need for a physical noticeboard, calendar or diary. The information can be updated through the app or the family management hub, and can be accessed by multiple people at any time from any device or computer, empowering people with dementia to live independently for as long as possible, and share the management of their dayto-day activities with family and carers.
• Muru Music, which uses artificial intelligence to create scalable, automated and personalised music experiences. It is designed to be controlled by family and carers to easily program and play the right music at the right time, providing music therapy tailored to the specific needs of individuals living with dementia.
• Audio Kinetic Jukebox, which combines music and movement through vibration technology embedded in a cinema chair. The person reclines in the chair and listens to music via headphones. The movement and music magnify the experience and benefits for listeners, overcoming cognitive and sensory changes that make experiences less enjoyable.
• My Dementia Companion, virtual care companion that leverages machine learning to understand the needs of people with dementia and their families, and provide relevant and timely support throughout their journey. 

“I wish to thank and acknowledge all the industry and business volunteers, along with all the Dementia Advocates – people living with dementia and carers - who made Decoding Dementia a success,” Ms Emerson said.

“I extend our gratitude to Deloitte Australia for sharing their expertise and, in particular, to the Australian Government Department of Health for funding this initiative.” 

Find out more about Dementia Australia. 

Pictured (L-R): Andrea Culligan, Partner, Deloitte; Nan Yu, My Dementia Companion; Matiu Bush, Audio Kinetic Jukebox; Tom Imbesi, Chairman of Deloitte Australia; Michael Kitts, Partner, Deloitte; Maree McCabe, CEO of Dementia Australia; Jo Mond, Assistant Secretary, Dementia and Supporting Ageing Branch, Department of Health; Graeme Samuel AC, Chair of Dementia Australia; Takaya Honda, Dementia Australia Ambassador; and Karen and Kerin Glennen, Dementia Advocates.