The main purpose of this project is to design an electromechanical pill dispenser that addresses the needs of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (in its early stage) and related disorders. The dispenser is intended to improve patient drug compliance and prolong patient independence. The dispenser will: (1) Be easy-to-use by both patients and their caregivers, (2) Store multiple pills for each dosage session, (3) Remind patients to take pills multiple times each day, (4) Allow patients flexibility for time of dosage session within specified parameters, (5) Minimize the possibility of accidental overdosing, (6) Operate with high reliability, and (7) Log dosage sessions.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:Commercial applications are not limited to individuals with memory problems. Chronically-ill children, the blind, and anyone requiring a long-term or complicated medication regimen can benefit. The dispenser is designed for both the U. S. and international markets.National Institute on Aging (NIA)
