I think I just had one of those ideas. You know those LCD picture frames? Imagine one that hangs on your wall, designed for someone with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia.
Throughout the day, it'll automatically shuffle between:
- The date/time
- Who the president (or equivalent) is
- Photos of your family/children with their names
- Recent events that can be programmed by their caretakers
- Recent world events
- A periodic reminder of what disease you have
- Etc.
My grandfather had Alzheimer's and in the later stages - he would check a paper calendar on the wall 20-30 times a day (unable to retain the information.) If someone in the early stages hung this device in their home (in a prominent location) I believe that it could help them tremendously as the disease progresses. This idea came to me because my dad was watching 50 First Dates when I walked downstairs a few moments ago... I'm going to start working on it in my spare time. Anyone who wants to help is welcome, but I'll figure it out one way or the other.
Throughout your careers, ask yourself "can I use my art to make the world a better place" often, and you just might. If you think you're onto something, post it here. Your idea may inspire more ideas.