Hi,
My dad is a lifelong learner, fitness enthusiast (and even an early meditator!) He began struggling with memory loss about five years ago, after his his 80th birthday. It was very hard for us to watch someone who had been so committed to their health and mental hygiene begin to struggle.
I had taught myself memory palace training which is a centuries old technique of improving memory (It is used by memory champions who can remember strings of numbers hundreds of digits long, was featured in the book Moonwalking with Einstein) it has also been scientifically proven to delay and offset some cognitive decline.
I had used the technique myself to help with my own memory, so about a year ago, I mocked up a custom GPT for my dad. He loved it and he loved it!
He asked me if there was a he could share it with his other friends but since they themselves didn't have GPT subscriptions he was frustrastred he couldn't forward it.
I’m a copywriter by trade and was working for a startup that used AI to train for sales. I asked a few coders to pitch in and give advice to help get the app off the ground and we began to build a demo and then they pointed me to tools like Claude and Replit (probably to get me to quit bugging them so much :))
The Idea...
I wanted to build what Duolingo did for language learning, but for memory and cognitive training.
We know we need to exercise our bodies, but let’s also encourage folks to train their minds. The science on this is solid: a recent AP article stated that brain and memory training is one of the biggest deterrents for cognitive decline and early-onset dementia.
If we can just get folks spending 10 minutes a day while they have their coffee to also train their memory...
We can make a huge difference.
The Mission...
I’d like to get this into at least 1,000 seniors' hands by the end of the summer. I’m also actively using the app to raise money for Alzheimer's and dementia charities, as well as Sanfilippo syndrome (which is a childhood-onset form of dementia). The app will automatically donate a percentage of profits and users will also have the choice to "round up" their membership to donate as well.
The Other, Other Goal...
To make this fun and user-friendly. Nobody will use an app if it’s hard or boring. It’s as important to me that our users feel pride in their accomplishments WHILE they learn the technique.
I built a digital "Memory Wizard" to guides them the and offer support. I mean this isn’t studying for the GMAT or learning to become one those people with the organs thingies who land panes... It's a way for folks to have fun, learn a skill, and feel accomplished every day.
My mom tried it and texted her whole family the little story the app generates after each session using your answers! That was the moment I knew it was working!
Please feel free to ask me questions. This is something I am passionate about and excited to share.
Check it out at: memoryamble.com