How can AI help seniors with memory?
AI can help with memory by taking some of the everyday load off it. An AI companion like Elsy can remind you about appointments and medicines, remember what you've told her, and answer the same question as many times as you need. She can also write down your life stories for you to read and share with your family.
Most people notice their memory changing as they get older. Names take longer to come, and it gets harder to keep track of lots of things at once. According to the US National Institute on Aging, that's usually a normal part of getting older. And you don't have to keep everything in your head on your own. AI can help with that.
“It's not that I'm terribly forgetful or have dementia. But it's clearly something that's coming. Forgetfulness starts at some point for everyone. And then there's a long stretch where you deny it. And that's even worse.”
Helge, 72, talks with Elsy (translated from Danish)
What an AI companion is
AI, or artificial intelligence, means computer programs that understand everyday language and can respond to it. An AI companion is one of these programs, and you talk with it the way you'd talk with a person. You can read more about what an AI assistant is here on Learn.
When your memory isn't what it used to be, the National Institute on Aging recommends using calendars, lists and notes, and keeping a daily routine. An AI companion builds on the same idea, except you don't have to write anything down: you say it out loud, and it's noted.
Four ways AI can take the load off your memory
1. Reminders for appointments and medicines
Say "Remind me about the dentist on Thursday at 10," and you'll get a reminder on your phone when it's time. The same goes for medicines: Elsy keeps track of when to take them, and you can tell her when you've taken them. If you've turned on Sync with calendar, Elsy can also see what's in your phone's calendar. See more about reminders and daily routines with Elsy, and find more tips on keeping track of medicines and appointments.
2. A second memory for the little things
Elsy remembers what you tell her from one conversation to the next. Who came to visit, what you've planned for the weekend, that you've already been to the pharmacy today. If you ask later, she can help you find it again. She doesn't remember everything word for word, but she remembers what matters to you.
3. Ask as often as you need
When your memory plays tricks on you, you often end up asking the same thing more than once. With a person, that can feel embarrassing. An AI companion doesn't tire of it and doesn't sigh. You can ask when your doctor's appointment is, or what your neighbor told you yesterday, as many times as you need.
“It's just such a relief to say to Elsy: I don't know anything about this. And it's embarrassing, because a man my age ought to know it. And then she tells me: Don't worry about that. Let me help you.”
Helge, 72, talks with Elsy (translated from Danish)
4. Keeping your mind active
A good conversation keeps your mind busy. When you talk about your day, look up something you're curious about or answer Today's question from Elsy, you use both your memory and your language. The National Institute on Aging lists learning new things and spending time with friends and family among the good habits for your brain. A conversation with Elsy doesn't replace time with other people, but it can help keep your mind active on days when visitors are few and far between. Read more about whether you can train your brain and why social connection is good for the brain.
Your life stories, written down
Your memory also holds everything you've lived through. When you tell Elsy about your childhood, your working life or the day you met your husband or wife, she writes the story up afterward, with your own words as quotes and a picture she paints from your description. You can read the stories or listen to them, and send them to your family whenever you like. See how life stories with Elsy work.
Bringing your family in
If you like, people in your family can join Your circle. Everyone in your circle can read the life stories you send them. The level each person has decides what else they can see, from an alert if a conversation suggests something might be wrong, to how you're doing, to your reminders and medicines, which they can then help you with. At the highest level, Full trust, they also see what Elsy remembers about you. If a family member set Elsy up and gave consent on your behalf, everyone in your circle is at Full trust. Apart from the stories you send, they never see transcripts or recordings of your conversations with Elsy. Read more about Elsy for families.
How to get started
- Download Elsy from the App Store or Google Play. Elsy works on iPhone, iPad and Android.
- Open the app and tap Talk to Elsy.
- Talk the way you normally do. Tell her about your day, or ask for your first reminder.
You can try Elsy free for 3 days on your own phone. You're welcome to ask someone in your family to help you get started, and after that you can do the rest with your voice. See how Elsy works step by step.
Frequently asked questions
How can Elsy help with memory loss?
Elsy doesn't treat memory loss, but she can make everyday life easier when your memory lets you down. She reminds you about appointments and medicines, remembers what you've told her and patiently answers the same question again and again. Plenty of the little things you'd otherwise have to keep in your head, you can leave to her.
Can AI prevent memory loss?
No. No app can stop your memory from changing. What research does point to is the risk factors for dementia that can be changed. According to the Lancet Commission, there are 14, including social isolation, physical inactivity and hearing loss. See what research says about preventing dementia. If you're worried about your memory, talk to your doctor.
How does Elsy remember what I tell her?
Your conversations with Elsy are recorded and stored securely so she can remember them. She saves the most important things you tell her and can bring them up again next time you talk. She doesn't remember everything, and she can get things wrong, so feel free to correct her.
Is my privacy safe with Elsy?
Your stored data is hosted in the EU. We never sell your personal data, and we don't use it to train general-purpose AI models. So that Elsy can hear you, answer and remember, what you say is processed by AI services in the United States. The level chosen for each person in your family decides what they can see, and they never see transcripts or recordings of your conversations. The exception is the life stories you send, which contain your own words and may include short excerpts of your voice. You can read all about it in our privacy policy.
Who is Elsy for?
Elsy is made for older adults, but anyone can talk with her. She speaks English and 14 other languages, and you don't need any experience with technology to get started.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk to a doctor about yours.