Inspired by family member with dementia, N.S. teen creates automated pill dispenser
Teen’s Automated Pill Dispenser Aims to Ease Medication Burden for Dementia Patients
Bedford, Nova scotia – A 15-year-old from Bedford, Nova Scotia, is making waves in the scientific community with her innovative solution to a common problem: ensuring timely medication for dementia patients. Joy Akinkunmi’s automated pill dispenser, born from personal experience, recently earned her recognition at the Discovery Awards, highlighting the ingenuity of young Nova Scotian scientists.
Akinkunmi’s inspiration struck two years ago while witnessing the challenges her family member with lewy body dementia faced in taking their medication. juggling school and extracurricular activities,Akinkunmi found it challenging to consistently assist with medication governance.
“I frequently enough would spend my time hoping that ther would be some sort of solution for this,” Akinkunmi said. “And so when I saw that there was going to be a science fair, that was really the first thing that popped into my head was just thinking of what problems do I see in my day-to-day life.”
Driven by this need, Akinkunmi embarked on a project to create a device that could automate the process.
For her research, Akinkunmi used herself as a test subject, dispensing gummy bears with the device.This hands-on approach allowed her to refine the design and ensure its functionality.
Akinkunmi’s innovative spirit caught the attention of Jeffrey Lyn, a co-ordinator with the Young, Gifted & Black Science Fair. Lyn, with a background in electrical and biomechanical engineering, was immediately impressed by the project’s potential.
“it was one of those things where you kind of really see a blind spot [in] the way the world works, there’s something that’s a … problem that just didn’t have a solution,” Lyn said.
He believes the project not only showcases Akinkunmi’s technical skills but also reveals her compassionate nature.
“This is something that definitely looks good on a resume, but it also shows you that she really cares about the people around her,” Lyn added.
Akinkunmi is now working on the second version of her device, the Pill Smart 2.0, further refining its capabilities and design. Her dedication to improving the lives of others through science is truly inspiring.
Teen Inventor Creates Affordable Medication Dispenser for Dementia Patients
nova Scotia High School Student Aims to Help Those with Cognitive Decline
HALIFAX, NS – A 16-year-old from Nova Scotia is making waves in the medical innovation world with a groundbreaking invention: an affordable, automated medication dispenser designed specifically for people with dementia.
Joy Akinkunmi, a Grade 11 student, developed the device as part of a science fair project.Her creation, which can dispense multiple medications at different times of day, is equipped with a speaker to remind users to take their pills. The device also pairs with a smartphone app to notify caregivers whether the medication has been taken.
“I wanted to create something that could help people with dementia live more independently and safely,” Akinkunmi said. “forgetting to take medication can have serious consequences, and this device aims to address that issue.”
While the device isn’t patented or commercially available yet, Akinkunmi hopes to one day bring her invention to market, making it accessible to those with mild or moderate dementia.
A Cost-Effective Solution
One of the most notable aspects of Akinkunmi’s invention is its affordability. she estimates the cost of building the device to be around $75, a stark contrast to commercially available automated dispensers that can cost upwards of $1,000.
“Making it affordable is crucial,” Akinkunmi explained. “Many families struggling with dementia face financial challenges, and I want to ensure this technology is accessible to everyone who needs it.”
through her participation in science fairs, Akinkunmi has connected with university professors and individuals with experience in patent registration, paving the way for potential future growth and commercialization.
A Passion for Helping Others
Akinkunmi’s passion for medicine stems from a desire to help people. Witnessing the impact of dementia firsthand has further solidified her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.
“Seeing how a disease that affects the brain can drastically change someone’s life, and the lives of those around them, has fueled my determination to pursue a career in neuroscience,” she said.
Sacha Nadeau,director of research and advocacy with the Alzheimer Society of Nova scotia,applauds Akinkunmi’s innovative spirit.
“We need more creative solutions to help people with dementia manage their daily lives,” Nadeau said. “This device has the potential to make a real difference, and its inspiring to see such ingenuity coming from a young student.”
Akinkunmi’s invention is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for young minds to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Teen innovator tackles Dementia Care Challenges with Automated Pill dispenser
NewsDirect3.com - July 26, 2024
Bedford, NS – fifteen-year-old Joy Akinkunmi isn’t your typical teenager. This budding scientist from Bedford, Nova Scotia, is making headlines with her innovative solution to a growing problem: ensuring medication adherence for dementia patients.
Akinkunmi’s creation, an automated pill dispenser called Pill Smart 2.0, recently caught the attention of the Finding Awards, showcasing her ingenuity and earning her well-deserved recognition.
“I frequently found myself hoping there would be some sort of solution to this,” Akinkunmi explained in a recent interview, reflecting on the challenges her family faced managing medication for a loved one with Lewy body dementia. “When I saw that there was going to be a science fair, that was really the first thing that popped into my head: what problems do I see in my day-to-day life?”
driven by personal experience, Akinkunmi embarked on a mission to develop a device that could alleviate the burden of medication management for both patients and caregivers.
From Inspiration to Innovation:
Pill Smart 2.0 is designed to dispense medication at pre-set times, ensuring patients receive their doses correctly and on schedule.
To test the device’s functionality, Akinkunmi ingeniously used gummy bears as a stand-in for pills. While this may seem unconventional, it provided a practical and safe method for evaluating the dispenser’s accuracy and reliability.
A Beacon of Hope for Dementia Care:
Akinkunmi’s invention has the potential to considerably improve the quality of life for dementia patients and their families. Missed doses can have serious consequences for individuals with dementia, leading to worsened symptoms and potential health complications.
By automating the medication dispensing process, Pill Smart 2.0 can definitely help ensure that patients receive their medication as prescribed,reducing the risk of adverse effects and providing peace of mind for caregivers.
looking Ahead:
Akinkunmi’s achievement is a testament to the power of youthful innovation and the importance of addressing real-world challenges. As she continues to develop and refine Pill Smart 2.0, her invention holds promising implications for the future of dementia care, offering hope and support to those affected by this debilitating disease.