Heuristic Evaluation of MemoryLane TV
A Digital Solution for Improving Cognition & Quality of Life in Individuals Living with Memory Loss
Sensory Stimulation For Management of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Dementia
By 2050, the expectation of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias will be 13 million in the US and 139 million worldwide.¹ ² Treatment options for dementia still limited especially for later stages. While medications may slow progression, they rarely eliminate existing symptoms. There is a growing body of research focused on patient outcomes showing that sensory stimulation improves physical, psychological, and cognitive conditions in individuals’ overall well-being and quality of life.³
Research shows that different sensory channels may provide different and potentially complementary benefits for people living with dementia. For example, evidence suggests that storing information as pictures leads to greater success of long-term memory retrieval. There is evidence of the positive association of reminiscence therapy – discussion of past activities, events, and experiences with another person or group of people – with improvements in depression and loneliness, and promote psychological well-being.⁴
The evidence on personalized music programs and its impacts on improving brain functioning, anxiety, agitation and other behavioral symptoms in individuals living with memory loss. ⁵ Olfactory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease have been well established. Aromatherapy, using fragrant oils from plants, can enhance the experience and therapeutic benefits for the person living with dementia. It is used in attempts to reduce behavioral symptoms, promote sleep, and stimulate motivational behavior in people with dementia.⁶
What Is Memory Lane TV And How Does it Support Those Suffering From Alzheimer's and Different Forms of Dementia
Memory Lane TV is a scientifically validated therapeutic media platform designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. Traditional television often falls short for this audience, as fast-paced storylines, abrupt scene transitions, and cognitively demanding content can worsen symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, reduced attention span, and difficulty processing complex narratives. Drawing on over five decades of interdisciplinary research in neuroscience, gerontology, psychology, and media studies, Memory Lane TV is built on the principle that personalized, multisensory content fosters meaningful engagement. This approach has been shown to support emotional connection, reduce distress, and enhance cognitive well-being in individuals living with dementia.
How Memory Lane TV Web Platform Works
Memory Lane TV has demonstrated clinical value through its transition from pilot to full-scale use across various care settings, including long-term care facilities, adult day programs, and home-based environments—delivering benefits for both professional and family caregivers.
Here is a short video describing the science behind Memory Lane and how does it work
Scientific Evidence: From Passive Entertainment to a Digital Therapeutic Tool
Memory Lane TV is not a speculative innovation—it is a clinically grounded solution developed through nearly a decade of rigorous beta testing, pilot implementations, and observational research conducted between 2015 and 2024. These studies collectively demonstrate the platform’s effectiveness as a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with dementia
- New York State Office for the Aging (Pilot Study) -Implemented across eight adult day care centers with 101 participants, this pilot found that 95% of staff observed positive behavioral outcomes, including reduced agitation and improved attention redirection. The study achieved a 100% survey response rate.
- Jewish Human Service Agencies Evaluation – A study involving 52 residents concluded that Memory Lane TV significantly enhanced quality of life and provided critical support for care partners. Key findings include:
- Over 92% of facilities were satisfied with the platform’s design, functionality, and service quality.
- Most engaging content types included Nature & Wildlife (81.5%), Music & Soundscapes (55.6%), and Vintage TV (48%).
- The Care Partner Channel was adopted by 44% of participating communities, with 87% rating it positively.
- Maine Dementia Coalition Study (Sept 2022 – June 2024) – In collaboration with the Maine Healthcare Association, this study spanned 52 long-term care communities. Between 92.5% and 96.5% of staff reported marked improvements in residents’ mood, reminiscence, cognitive engagement, social interaction, and anxiety reduction.
- Brown University Long-Term Care Innovation Center (Upcoming RCT – 2026) – In partnership with Brown University, a comprehensive randomized controlled trial is planned for 2026. The study will incorporate standardized clinical assessments, biomarker tracking, and neuroimaging to rigorously evaluate the impact of Memory Lane TV on cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Across multiple states and care environments, Memory Lane TV has consistently demonstrated strong clinical utility—offering a validated, engaging, and scalable digital therapeutic solution that redefines dementia care.
HITLAB Evaluation of the Memory Lane TV Web Platform
Methodology
HITLAB researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Memory Lane TV’s web platform’s usability and functionality. The evaluation for the Memory Lane TV was carried out by one expert researcher from the perspectives of a caregiver and an individual living with memory loss.
The heuristic evaluation was guided by Jakob Nielsen’s Ten Usability Heuristics, a globally recognized standard for evaluating user interface design and usability. This approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of the platform’s usability across different workflows and practice environments.
Key Strengths
- High-quality visuals: The platform contains visuals and audios of high-quality, ensuring a smooth enjoyable streaming experience.
- Intuitive, Engaging, and Comprehensive Content: The platform features an extensive and diverse content library, including:
- Nature & Calming Ambiance
- Reminiscence, Vintage & Life Journeys
- Art, Storytelling & Trivia
- Music, Dance & Soundscapes
- Food & Kitchen
- World Travel, City Walks & Bike Rides
- Health, Wellness & Sports
- Culture & Diversity
- In addition to pre-recorded videos, the platform includes live content, pre-programmed channels, featured films, and curated collections—ensuring variety and sustained engagement.
- Efficient Search Functionality: The search tool performs effectively, displaying categorized results clearly against a dark-themed background. Results are well-organized by videos and collections.
- Personalization of Content: Users can fill out a preference questionnaire, enabling the platform to generate personalized viewing suggestions based on individual tastes and needs.
Recommendations
- Webpage Layout & Readability: Optimize layout to ensure content fits within one scrollable frame. Maintain a balanced use of white space and minimize unnecessary gaps between text and images for better visibility and ease of navigation.
- User’s Watch List: Address technical glitches affecting the user’s ability to save videos. Enhance the list by displaying selected content categories to reinforce personalized engagement.
- Clear Separation of Platform vs. Website Content: Group internal platform links and external website links separately on the homepage to reduce cognitive load and improve navigation clarity.
- Support Recognition Over Recall: Webpages currently appear too visually similar. Use distinct visual themes and styles for different content types or sections to help users—especially those with memory challenges—easily recognize and differentiate between them.
- Minimize Distractions: Remove persistent, non-essential elements (e.g., repeated caregiver channel banner) that reappear even after being closed, as they can distract or confuse users.
Future Potential and Key Takeaways
Memory Lane TV exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to dementia care, grounded in the science of multisensory stimulation. By combining the therapeutic power of visual media with personalized content and accessibility, the platform offers a private, affordable, and engaging experience tailored to individuals living with memory loss.
“With continued refinement and thoughtful integration into healthcare systems, Memory Lane TV is well-positioned to redefine dementia care—empowering individuals and caregivers alike to improve quality of life and reduce care burden.”— Stan Kachnowski, Chair, HITLAB
With HITLAB’s recommendations implemented, the platform is poised to further enhance its user experience, clinical relevance, and potential for broad integration into memory care environments.
“With continued refinement and thoughtful integration into healthcare systems, Memory Lane TV is well-positioned to redefine dementia care—empowering individuals and caregivers alike to improve quality of life and reduce care burden.”— Stan Kachnowski, Chair, HITLAB
With HITLAB’s recommendations implemented, the platform is poised to further enhance its user experience, clinical relevance, and potential for broad integration into memory care environments.
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References
- https://www.brighterstridesaba.com/blog/dementia-statistics-and-facts/
- https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
- Maneemai, O., Alvarado, M. C. C., Intriago, L. G. C., Triviño, A. J. D., Coffré, J. A. F., Praticò, D., … & Yamasaki, T. (2024). Sensory integration: a novel approach for healthy ageing and dementia management. Brain Sciences, 14(3), 285. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14030285
- Saragih, I. D., Tonapa, S. I., Yao, C., Saragih, I. S., & Lee, B. (2022). Effects of reminiscence therapy in people with dementia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 29(6), 883-903. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12830
- Bleibel M, El Cheikh A, Sadier NS, Abou-Abbas L. The effect of music therapy on cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2023 Mar 27;15(1):65. doi: 10.1186/s13195-023-01214-9. PMID: 36973733; PMCID: PMC10041788.
- Ma Y, Li Y, Yin R, Guo P, Lei N, Li G, Xiong L, Xie Y. Therapeutic potential of aromatic plant extracts in Alzheimer’s disease: Comprehensive review of their underlying mechanisms. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2023 Aug;29(8):2045-2059. doi: 10.1111/cns.14234. Epub 2023 Apr 30. PMID: 37122144; PMCID: PMC10352876.
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