Ask HN: Assistive Tech Ideas for Dementia

#1

Post by thanksd » Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 2:01 PM UTC

One of my family members was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. They're still in the very early stages and living independently, but my wife and I are in the process of getting the right legal documents and financial account access in order.

My role has mostly been to help with their technology so we can reduce friction. The big thing is obviously remembering passwords to accounts and we're getting them set up with a new macbook and looking at using Apple's Passwords app, since they use iPhone and Apple Watch already.

But I'm wondering if anyone else has experience with helping a person through the progression of this disease and would recommend any specific software or categories of tech setup that I'm not thinking of.

I sense that the time is now to set things up for the future. I feel like there are opportunities with assistive tech, but I'm just unfamiliar.

Re: Ask HN: Assistive Tech Ideas for Dementia

#2

Post by eimrine » Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 2:14 PM UTC

I want all my sw be tolerable to the risk of getting blind or getting dementia or even getting wanted. If the sw fails to fullfill these categories I claim it is not friendly. So consider just to not use any software in the case of having Alzheimer.

Re: Ask HN: Assistive Tech Ideas for Dementia

#3

Post by ychn12 » Thu, Jul 16, 2026, 9:12 PM UTC

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Re: Ask HN: Assistive Tech Ideas for Dementia

#4

Post by perilunar » Fri, Jul 17, 2026, 8:45 AM UTC

How old are they? I found with my parents that as they got older they became increasing incapable of using modern computerised technology. The older the tech the easier it was for them to remember how to use it. My mum can still set the time on a clock radio, and use a sewing machine, but can't remember the difference between Mail and Messages on her phone, or how to do online banking. Last in first out i guess.

So my advice: old tech. Pen and paper where possible. They will forget how to use their phone and computer, so get them a landline phone and a paper phonebook as backup.

Re: Ask HN: Assistive Tech Ideas for Dementia

#5

Post by thanksd » Fri, Jul 17, 2026, 1:25 PM UTC

perilunar wrote: post #4

How old are they? I found with my parents that as they got older they became increasing incapable of using modern computerised technology. The older the tech the easier it was for them to remember how to use it. My mum can still set the time on a clock radio, and use a sewing machine, but can't remember the difference between Mail and Messages on her phone, or how to do online banking. Last in first out i guess. So m…

They are just in their early 60s, and are currently using email, messages, and use the internet to browse facebook, online shopping, etc.

I think the advice on old tech is right and that's their tendency already (all of their passwords currently are in a notebook next to their computer). I'm hoping we can set up some systems as caretakers that will let them personally put down whatever new tech isn't directly helpful/necessary.

They're still fairly independent though and so I think it'll be a gradual reduction. And in the meantime I'm looking at ways to help remotely (setting up shared passwords, bill auto-pay, remote login for their macbook if they need my assistance remotely).