Memories Will Be Made Of This

Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. But a new screensaver and social network for Alzheimer sufferers and carers has won first prize in the annual Microsoft-sponsored DesignIT contest.   Called “Memories are made of this,” the idea came from Said Dajani, who manages the web site forthe Alzheimer’s Society in the U.K. As part of the prize, Microsoft technical specialists will now turn his concept into reality.   Dajani cameup with a two-part idea. The first is for a screen saver which stands as a “virtual scrapbook,” so that patients and carers can upload pictures, text and video. The rationale is thatscrapbooks have proved very useful to Alzheimer sufferers in helping them remember important facts and events in their lives. The second part calls for the creation of a social networking site forpatients.   Mr. Dajani was very gratified by the win.   “It was a public vote – so that was very gratifying,” he said. “More and more people are coming across dementia,affecting them and their family. It is estimated that one million people will have a form of dementia by 2025.”   Alzheimer’s is a disease that that changes the structure andchemistry of the brain, resulting in the death of brain cells. It’s the most common cause of dementia.   Contest entrants also worked with artists, and the results went on show May 29 inLondon. Four runners-up each won $2000 of Microsoft consultancy and $2000 of Microsoft software for a charity of their choice. Among entrants who made the runners-up cut were “The future ofcharity web services” and “CO to zero.”