I was shocked recently when I saw the latest statistics issued by the Alzheimer's Society indicating that there is a growing and alarming number of people now living with memory loss.

The number of people living with dementia is predicted to rise to over 1.1 million by 2030 and one in three people will develop dementia in their lifetime.

I believe we must constantly look at new ways to fight and tackle the scourge of memory loss.

I have seen the anxiety, stress and worry being suffered by people living with memory loss and we can do more to alleviate this by encouraging them to keep records and explore the uses of modern technology such as Alexa.

There are various ways of fighting memory loss and when I visit care homes and memory cafes I am repeatedly told that attempting my neurobic exercises and keeping their brains active is not only so much fun but also helps to increase memory retention and fight memory loss. Keeping the brain active is an important part in fighting forgetfulness.

During one of my recent workshop visits, an elderly resident said to me "I can't remember what happened this morning, what happened yesterday, what happened last week or last year but the diary you asked me to keep will always remind me."

Another resident explained to me that "When you pour water into a cup it soon fills up to the top and then the water overflows! That is what happens to my brain! I fill it up with so many things that it overflows and then I forget everything and become confused."

Looking around care homes and everywhere I go I notice different aids being used by people to help to keep different parts of the body functioning as they age.

For example, people use walking sticks and Zimmer frames and crutches to help with mobility, spectacles and magnifying glasses to read and see things better and hearing aids to hear better.

Similarly, diaries, calendars and note books can be very useful items for storing information and supporting the brain.

Having a conversation with people living with memory loss, I often ask them a range of questions such as: What have you done today? Where did you go? What did you buy? Who did you go with? How did you get there? What did you have for lunch?

I often get a reply "I can't remember but I can check the diary I keep or the calendar I have at home." 

I was also reminded how important keeping records can be especially for keeping medical appointments and taking essential medication and there are also personal dates such as birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations.

However, a question that came to my mind recently was: can modern technology devices be used and adapted to assist people needing help to remember day to day tasks?

On a recent visit to a friend's house I came across a voice activated assistant called Alexa that uses artificial intelligence to respond to various commands.

Once set up, I saw that the device could be operated without having to get up and push buttons or learn complicated programming sequences to use it.

I immediately saw that there are benefits for people with memory loss and that the device can be useful in setting alarms and reminders throughout the day, enabling one to stay on top of important schedules and appointments including recurring reminders for doing certain chores and personal care tasks such as taking medication.

I also saw that the device can create lists such as shopping lists on a smart phone. I was amazed how the device controlled certain smart home appliances such as doorbell cameras, security cameras, TV programme selections, voice control and thermostat adjustments.

I have often seen how some of our elderly living with memory loss struggle and how it impacts on their day-to day activities including tasks that were once familiar.

I can see how the device Alexa can be really useful especially during the early stages of memory loss where people can still live alone with some support and supervision.

I can see that by programming the device with routines and teaching users how to use the device properly, the elderly can retain some of their independence which may help them also to adjust somewhat to living with memory loss.

I can also see the potential for programming reminders for meals, medication, appointments and many other tasks to manage a loved one's care schedule from a distance.

Keeping a diary, filling in a calendar or asking Alexa for help could certainly improve the quality of life of people already stressed by the onset of memory loss.