Launch App

The Problem

According to Brightfocus.org, a group heavily involved in Alzheimer’s research, there are 50 million people suffering from Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia worldwide. And every single year, there are 10 million more that get diagnosed with it. I’m sure that even now, many of you reading this can name at least one family member who suffers from a form of dementia, and the sad truth is that it’s likely that some of you reading this may end up developing a form of dementia yourselves. These debilitative diseases slowly break down the brain, stripping those suffering from it of any memories of past events, friends, family, taking away more and more of their functions until they pass away. Presently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disorder, and very little treatment for other kinds of dementia.

The Solution

My product, Memento, will use the power of mirror neurons to invoke sensations from a person's past, and bring them to life. Think about a time when you felt a leathery glove, or tasted a clementine. Can you remember exactly how it felt, or tasted? Imagine this with helping a person with dementia remember the feeling of their wife's dress on their wedding day, or the smell of the field where they first taught their child how to ride a bike. The use of these mirror neurons to invoke sensations is something that has been used for centuries in storytelling, and it is something that I plan to use to enhance the lives of the people suffering from these diseases.

Liam Delaney

I am a senior at Pomperaug High School in Southbury Connecticut, and I plan to go forward in a career in clinical psychology later on in life. My favorite hobby would most likely be playing video games, which have helped me develop my character, meet new friends, and give me a way to ease off the pressures of life. Additionally, I like playing with my dogs, Rochey and Daisy, and doing baking whenever I can, preferably with my girlfriend, or some of my family. All these things help remind me of what I work for at the end of the day, whether it be to get a new game for myself, or bring smiles to the faces of those around me.