In order to lead your daily life as desired, you should use several ATs described so far, such as memo pads, the Sony IC Recorder (ICD-PX240;  IC Rec), smartphones and so on. However,  people with MCI and dementia often forget to carry the ATs with them. Wearing special clothing that stores ATs inside pockets could solve these problems. I conducted a project to develop assistive clothing. The term “memory” was attached to all the names of assistive clothing produced in this project.

Persons with MCI and dementia often forget that they have a memo pad with them. Or some of them find it troublesome to take a memo pad out of their bags or pockets. They might forget also to take the smartphone, the IC Rec and other items with them. We came up with the idea that persons should wear a vest since a vest is available at a low price, easy to put on, and wearable throughout the year.

Wearing the vests, users can store and carry the ATs, IC Rec, as well as glasses, wallet, and keys. Some ATs can be operated without taking them out of pockets. A shoulder pad of the vest can be changed into a tag with GPS when they start having trouble getting lost outside.

On the reverse side of the vest, you can find several pockets made of  mesh materials in various sizes. In the mesh  pockets, patients may insert paper with messages on them such as, “It’s ×× day, to- day” and “It’s the day to go to the day-care center.” Patients can see them when they open the front part of the vest

They can see anytime what are in the pockets such as memo paper, devices, etc. When they go out, or visitors come, they can put something on the vest, or reverse back the vest. 

We have created three versions of memory vests: for winter, summer, and for year-round. The summer version is made of mesh material. The dress pattern of the year-round version is attached below. Please download and sew it, or take it to a dressmaking shop. Nowadays, you can also search for sewing volunteers online. Although women’s vests usually have few pockets, you can find vests for women with pockets in catalogs or online shops. If you want more pockets on your vest, you can sew mesh pockets  on the reverse side of the vest. 

For the summer, make  a  mesh vest like the left one, and attach hook-and-loop fasteners where necessary. Attach hook-and-loop fasteners to the back of the pockets (Middle).