14-year-old builds app to jog the memory of those with Alzheimer's
After witnessing her grandmother's early onset of Alzheimer's disease, 14-year-old Emma Yang made an app that she hopes may make a difference to sufferers' lives.
Timeless is a work in progress that Yang learnt how to code herself. It uses AI technology and Kairos' facial reconciliation software that allows the user to look at photos of their family or take a photo of a person in the room with them and have it explain how they are related to the user.
Though it has yet to be tested extensively, Yang plans on building a number of functions into the app that may help Alzheimer's patients on a daily basis, be it task reminders or aiding them in contacting someone.
Though technology and age have never been friends, Yang hopes that with enough support from their family and caregivers - and early enough introduction when symptoms are milder - that practice may hopefully make perfect.
• You can find out more via the Sincerely, Hueman podcast's Timeless episode...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.