Alive Inside: Developing mobile apps for the cognitively impaired

Declining numbers of students majoring in computer science coupled with the rapidly growing aging population are both causes for concern in society. Computer science majors have diminished since 1986, but recent thrusts of happenings focus on encouraging students towards a STEM degree. One in every three senior citizens dies with some form of dementia with the percentages on the rise. This population is often forgotten, but research shows the elderly can be stimulated with technology as evidence with music and memory programs. Combining advancement in computer science and technology to design and develop products that can facilitate the lives of many senior citizens was found important. The combination of computer science and real-world situation is a good way to stimulate students in getting their hands on the problems our society is facing. Programming in support of real-world social issues causes the students to relate in various ways, invigorates students not only to learn programming skills, but also acquire knowledge beyond the typical level and pace. Appealing to student interests in helping others, including possible relatives, foster experiential learning outside the classroom that potentially supports life-changing projects and assists with needs in society. In this project, students develop a mobile app for Android and iOS platforms as a team including usability for a documentary called Alive Inside, created to help those with Alzheimer´s disease and dementia improve their quality of life. This mobile app will stimulate the memory of those suffering of Alzheimer and dementia through music of their youth. This paper will report on student experiences, techniques, products delivered, and overall outcomes.