Pager to remind brain surgery patients

Brain surgery can lead to memory problems

A paging service which reminds people with memory problems when to take medication or visit the hospital is being launched in the UK.

The Neuropage service was developed in the US to help people who have developed memory problems after brain surgery.

Individuals wear an ordinary pager which receives messages or alerts from a central computer to remind them when to undertake specific tasks or activities that they may otherwise forget to do.

The scheme is being operated by doctors at the Oliver Zingwill Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

It doesn't repair a damaged memory but it helps people to be more independent

Professor Barbara Wilson, Oliver Zingwell Centre

The Neuropage service can remind individuals of one-off events such as a hospital appointment or buying a birthday card.

It can also be used to remind them of regular tasks, such as taking medication, or getting ready to go to work or college.

Messages are sent automatically and cause the pager to beep or vibrate. The message can be read from the screen. Because the service is automatic alerts can be sent day or night.

The service aims to help people who have memory problems as a result of brain surgery to be less dependent on others.

It was developed in California by Larry Treadgold, whose son suffered a brain injury and Neil Hersh, the young man's neuropsychologist.

Clinical trials

Doctors at the Oliver Zingwell Centre and the Medical Research Council have successfully carried out clinical trials on the system.

Professor Barbara Wilson, director of research at the Oliver Zingwell Centre, said the service helped to improve the quality of people's daily lives.

"Our research has shown that Neuropage helps people with memory impairments to function more effectively in their day to day lives.

"It doesn't repair a damaged memory but it helps people to be more independent again and reduces the strain on relatives and carers who otherwise have to constantly remind their relatives of things they have to do."

She added that the system could save the NHS money.

"We have seen how it can also save money for health and social services in some situations by reducing the need for carers.

"I am delighted that we have been able to translate our research into a clinical reality which will help many people with memory problems."

More than 20 patients are already using the service which costs around £60 a month. The costs are being met by the NHS or social services.