How Amazon’s Alexa Can Help People Living with Memory Changes or Dementia

Amazon’s Alexa is more than a smart speaker. For people living with dementia or cognitive changes, it can be a helpful companion. It offers reminders, reassurance, and a sense of structure. It can also provide peace of mind to carers, especially when they are not nearby.

Here are some of the ways The Good Company People members are using Alexa in everyday life.

1. Medication Reminders

“Alexa, set an alarm every day to remind me to take my medication at 8am”

Taking medication on time is important. Alexa can give gentle daily reminders at the right time without the need to check a phone or calendar.

2. Daily Routine Management 

“Alexa, set alarm every day to remind me to eat lunch at 1pm”

“Alexa, what time is Games Club today?" 

“Alexa, remind me to go to Tai Chi at 11am."

Having a regular routine helps people feel more confident and in control. Alexa can prompt activity and reduce worry about forgetting something.

3. Safety and Security

“Alexa, turn off lights every night at 10pm”

When connected to smart plugs or bulbs, Alexa can help manage appliances and lighting, helping to create a safer home. Carers can also use it to check in or automate settings.

4. Social Interaction

“Alexa, call Alice, daughter”

Keeping in touch with others matters. Alexa allows hands-free calls with family and friends, making connection feel easy and natural.

5. Entertainment and Engagement

“Alexa, play my favourite songs”

Staying mentally active can support wellbeing. Alexa can play music, read audiobooks, tell jokes or even share trivia.

One member shared that Alexa recently told this joke:

“Did you know the history of chessboards? Turns out they have had quite a chequered past.”

You can also ask Alexa to “play m4d radio” which offers music from the 1940s to the 1970s. Many people find this helps with mood, reduces anxiety, and creates a calm atmosphere at home.

6. Memory Aids

“Alexa, what day is it?” 

“Alexa, what’s the time?” 

Alexa, what's the weather like in Crowborough today?

Being able to ask the same question more than once and always get a kind reply can be very reassuring. As one member put it, Alexa never gets tired of answering.

7. Information and Education

Alexa, how long does it take to boil a soft boiled egg?

Alexa, how do you make pancakes?

Alexa, how do you say hello in Romanian?

Asking questions, learning something new or just having a bit of fun helps keep the brain active. Alexa can help people stay engaged and interested in the world around them.

8. Carer Support

Carers can also find Alexa useful. Reminders can be set from another device. Features like drop-in allow carers to check in and offer support even when they cannot be there in person.

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Why it helps

Alexa is not a replacement for human care. But she can be a calm, helpful presence in the room. She can provide gentle prompts, answer everyday questions, and bring a bit of humour or music to lighten the day.

If you have found a helpful way to use Alexa at home, we would love to hear it. Sharing ideas helps us all.