This Startup Is Transforming Alzheimer's Care One Story At A Time

MemoryWell, an organization founded by Jay Newton-Small, was featured in Forbes this month:

By 2050, more than 16 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Much of the effort around this disease has been focused on prevention– however, as our population ages, there must be a shift to improve the quality of care for these patients. With an increasing number of caregivers experiencing burnout, it’s pivotal for our healthcare system to start considering creative solutions to this problem.

MemoryWell is proving to be one of these solutions. Founded by Jay Newton-Small, a former TIME correspondent, MemoryWell is a D.C. based startup that uses the power of storytelling to improve the long-term care of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Care Communities use MemoryWell to better care for patients by having access to each of their life stories.

Stories are printed out and hosted online, where family members can post the patient’s favorite art, music, and readings. As of today, MemoryWell has a network of over 400 journalists across the country who are writing these stories and is currently in nearly half a dozen nursing homes. They also are in talks with five medium-to-large care chains to pilot and just completed a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $57,000.