Abstract illustration representing the connection between technology, art, and dementia care.

Tech & Touch: How Technology and Compassion are Revolutionizing Dementia Care

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Discover how innovations like DementiaHack are merging technology with human-centered approaches to enhance the lives of those with dementia."

Technology is increasingly being leveraged to ease the challenges dementia presents, enhancing the lives of both patients and caregivers. From GPS tracking devices to computerized solutions, assistive technology is transforming dementia care both at home and in care facilities.

The DementiaHack event in Toronto, supported by the UK government and presented by Facebook, showcased this intersection of technology and compassion. Over 300 individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborated to develop technology initiatives aimed at improving dementia care.

This article explores the innovative solutions that emerged from DementiaHack, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological advancements with the human-centered care that preserves the individuality and quality of life for individuals living with dementia.

DementiaHack: Innovation in Action

Abstract illustration representing the connection between technology, art, and dementia care.

DementiaHack brought together a diverse group of people to create technological solutions for improving dementia care. The event featured teams working across four challenge categories: diagnosed individuals, family caregivers, institutional caregivers/clinicians, and scientists/researchers.

After 30 hours of intensive collaboration, the teams presented their projects to a panel of judges. The Grand Prize winner, MABLE (Make a Better Life Everyday), developed a care management platform that allows researchers to gather 'big data.' The Facebook Prize winner, TakeMeHome, created an intuitive navigation application designed to facilitate independent travel for people with dementia.

Diagnosed individuals
Family caregivers
Institutional caregivers/clinicians
Scientists/researchers

While many projects focused on data collection and practical aspects of care, some teams, like The Memory Shifters, prioritized the individuality of the person with dementia, focusing on enhancing their present experience. The Memory Shifters developed Arts for Dementia, a website providing arts-based activities for caregivers to enjoy with their loved ones.

The Future of Dementia Care: Balancing Tech and Touch

The DementiaHack event and the initiatives it produced highlight the importance of technology in dementia care. However, it is crucial to balance these advancements with a human-centered approach that values the individuality and quality of life for those living with dementia.

The Arts for Dementia website exemplifies this balance, offering a platform for caregivers to engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities with their loved ones. By prioritizing fun, humor, and improvisation, these initiatives can enrich relationships and bring joy back into the lives of people affected by dementia.

As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to remember that the ultimate goal is to improve the well-being of individuals living with dementia. By combining technological innovation with compassionate care, we can create a future where people with dementia can live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.12968/nrec.2016.18.1.35, Alternate LINK

Title: Technology, Fun And Compassion In Dementia

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Nursing and Residential Care

Publisher: Mark Allen Group

Authors: Aysha Mendes

Published: 2016-01-02

Everything You Need To Know

What is DementiaHack and what is its purpose?

DementiaHack is an event designed to bring together individuals from various backgrounds to develop technology-driven solutions for improving dementia care. Supported by organizations like the UK government and Facebook, it encourages collaboration across four challenge categories: diagnosed individuals, family caregivers, institutional caregivers/clinicians, and scientists/researchers. The aim is to create innovations that enhance the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers, blending technological advancements with compassionate, human-centered care.

What kind of assistive technology is being used to support people with dementia and how does it help?

Assistive technology encompasses a range of computerized solutions, including GPS tracking devices and specialized applications, aimed at easing the challenges associated with dementia. Examples include navigation applications like TakeMeHome, which facilitates independent travel for people with dementia. These tools help enhance the lives of both patients and caregivers by providing support in various aspects of daily living and care management.

What is MABLE, and how does it contribute to dementia care?

MABLE (Make a Better Life Everyday) is a care management platform developed at DementiaHack. It is designed to gather 'big data' to enhance research and care strategies in dementia. The ability to collect and analyze comprehensive data sets can lead to improved personalized care plans and a deeper understanding of the disease's progression and individual needs.

Can you tell me about Arts for Dementia and how it helps?

Arts for Dementia, developed by The Memory Shifters, is a website offering arts-based activities for caregivers to engage in with their loved ones who have dementia. The program focuses on maintaining individuality and quality of life, enhancing the person's present experience by leveraging creative and emotionally stimulating engagement.

What does it mean to balance technology with a human-centered approach in dementia care?

Balancing technology with a human-centered approach in dementia care means integrating technological solutions while prioritizing the individuality, emotional needs, and overall well-being of individuals living with dementia. This balance ensures that technology enhances rather than replaces compassionate care, focusing on maintaining dignity and quality of life. The DementiaHack event emphasizes balancing technological advancements with human-centered care, but the long-term implications of technology use need continuous monitoring.