Navigating Life Easily Despite Dementia - Innovative Gadget Provides Solutions for Daily Challenges
In the bustling city of Fukuoka, Japan, a new device is making waves in the world of dementia care. **Tsugi-Coco**, a watch-like personal navigation device, is designed to assist individuals living with dementia, offering them the independence and confidence they need to navigate their daily lives.
The brainchild of Hiroshi Yamada, who was moved by the high number of people suffering from dementia, Tsugi-Coco aims to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this condition. Kazuhiro Tou, Director of the Fukuoka Dementia Friendly Center, shares Yamada's vision, advocating for a society where dementia is openly acknowledged, not concealed.
Tsugi-Coco is equipped with features such as GPS tracking and personalised route guidance, making it easier for users to navigate both familiar and unfamiliar environments. Its simplified design, as a watch-like device, ensures it is user-friendly and easy to wear, a crucial factor for individuals with dementia who may find complex technology challenging.
The device provides real-time feedback or alerts to help users stay on track or return home if they become lost. This feature not only enhances independence but also boosts self-esteem and quality of life, allowing individuals with dementia to move around more confidently and freely.
Tomofumi Tanno, a person with dementia, understands the importance of independence. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 39, Tanno uses technology like smartphones and map apps to compensate and travel solo. He emphasises the importance of acceptance rather than persuasion when dealing with dementia, as every person experiences it differently.
In Japan, approximately 10.36 million people have dementia or mild cognitive impairment, a figure equivalent to the population of children aged 12 or younger. With this growing demographic, devices like Tsugi-Coco represent a significant step forward in assistive technology for dementia care, aiming to improve the daily lives of those affected by this condition.
Tsugi-Coco's name was suggested by Yamada's wife, with a heartfelt meaning. In Japanese, 'Tsugi' means 'next' and 'Coco' means 'heart'. Together, the name symbolises the device's aim to guide individuals with dementia to their next heartfelt moments, providing them with the independence and confidence they need to live comfortably and independently in their familiar neighborhoods.
Science and health-and-wellness are intertwined in the development of Tsugi-Coco, a device designed to aid mental health by improving the quality of life for individuals living with dementia. This navigation tool, equipped with features like GPS tracking and personalised route guidance, not only increases independence, but also helps boost self-esteem, further contributing to better mental health.
