In short, of course not. KnowPal is a tool in the overall strategy of lifestyle improvement for people with ADHD, cognitive or memory impairment. Online reminders are growing in popularity with caregivers who believe their loved ones are capable of more independence.

KnowPal is part of a plan for productivity. We are the first reminder app that was created by designers who have first-hand experience maintaining busy lives while managing their own symptoms of memory impairment. Our online reminder is more of a virtual assistant, designed to remove the stumbling blocks caused by impairments to cognitive function and memory.

Problems with memory and cognitive function have dozens of titles and quite literally thousands of different causes from stroke to brain and spine injury innate to degenerative disease, the list is exhaustive. Fortunately, there are some universal techniques that can help these conditions.

The Mayo Clinic lists these as a few of the best:

1. Stay mentally active– This is universal advice for a healthy brain and it’s doubly true for people with cognitive impairments. Puzzles, stimulating games, even simple novelty can help keep your loved one’s brain stay active.

2. Get organized– Incorporating some basic organizational habits is critical for people with cognitive impairment and any sense of improved independence is great for both of your morale.

3. Socialize regularly– Staying or becoming social has been shown to ward off depression, a fairly large contributor to memory loss as a whole.

4. Sleep well– This is the one that makes caretakers want to throw their computers across the room! We understand that you may have no control over you or your loved one’s sleep schedule when you’re caring for someone with cognitive issues. Just do the best you can and remember it’s okay to ask your doctor about sleep aids too.

5. Eat a healthy diet– According to the Mayo Clinic “A healthy diet might be as good for your brain as it is for your heart.” I know, we’ve all heard it…fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats. It’s one of the biggest challenges for caretakers, but let’s face it, chances are, if you’re not eating healthy your loved one isn’t either.

6. Include physical activity in your daily routine– 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of something more strenuous like swimming or jogging spread throughout the week. At a minimum, try for a few ten minute walks during daily activities.

7. Manage chronic conditions– Chronic medical conditions can affect the brain’s ability to function and to heal, helping your loved one to remember medications and take them on a specific schedule is paramount in their care.

Keep in mind that you need to make any changes in routine under the care of a medical practitioner. Some conditions can actually be worsened by the steps we’ve laid out. A lot of caregivers find a sense of comfort in community as well, don’t be afraid to reach out to local or online support groups for help, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.