Inspired by family member with dementia, N.S. teen creates automated pill dispenser

When Joy Akinkunmi signed up for a science fair two years ago, she had no idea that something she was seeing at home would serve as the inspiration for her project.

Akinkunmi, now 15, saw how difficult it was for a family member with Lewy body dementia to take their medication. While Akinkunmi helped the family member, she found that between school and extracurricular activities, it was tough for her to help administer the medication.

"I often would spend my time hoping that there would be some sort of situation or some sort of solution for this," said the Bedford, N.S., teen. "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."

Out of that experience, Akinkunmi created an automated pill dispenser. For her research, Akinkunmi became the guinea pig. She used the device to dispense gummy bears to herself.

Akinkunmi was recently honoured at the Discovery Awards as one of the two recipients of the youth award, which recognizes "extraordinary work in the early scientific efforts of young Nova Scotian students."

To create the device, Akinkunmi worked with Jeffrey Lyn, a co-ordinator with the Young, Gifted & Black Science Fair. Lyn, who has a background in electrical and biomechanical engineering, was immediately impressed by the idea.

"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," said Lyn.

He said while the device will be helpful for her future career prospects, it also offers insights into who Akinkunmi is as a person.

"This is something that definitely looks good on a resume, but it also shows you that she really cares about the people around her," said Lyn.

Akinkunmi is now on the second version of her device, the Pill Smart 2.0, which can dispense multiple drugs at different times of the day. A speaker will remind the user to take their medication, and the device pairs with an app to notify caregivers whether the person has taken their medication.

The device isn't patented and isn't for sale, but Akinkunmi hopes to one day commercialize it for people with mild or moderate dementia.

Akinkunmi said it cost her around $75 to make the device, a far cry from some of the automated dispensers on the market that can cost over $1,000.

Through other science fairs, Akinkunmi has made contacts with university professors and people who have experience registering patents.

Career plans

For now, Akinkunmi is focused on her education. Motivated by a desire to help people, the Grade 11 student has always wanted to be a doctor. But witnessing the effects of dementia up close has further narrowed her desired career choice.

"A disease that impacts the brain can really take a toll on someone's life and make such a large impact on not only them, but the people around them," said Akinkunmi. "That kind of grew my passion for wanting to be a neurosurgeon."

Sacha Nadeau, director of research and advocacy with the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, said it's important for people with dementia to have systems to help them follow their medication regimen.

She said some people will set reminders on their phone, put their medication in a place that serves as a reminder to take them, such as near their coffee or tea supplies.

"But we need innovation in this field, so I think that the more options the better for consumers to find what meets their needs," said Nadeau. "And ... to be seeing innovation from a student is sterling for us."