An Introduction to: Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks
In this article we review 5 of the best smart Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks. So what’s special about these timepieces?
First-off, the size of the letters and numbers are significantly larger than your typical clock, the display is generally made up of high contrast black & white or primary colors. The day and date are more than often spelled out in full ensuring clarity. Many Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks feature simple reminders, for example taking medication or other regular tasks. It’s worth knowing that an individual that frequently asks the time, day of week or whether it’s morning or evening may be showing early signs of dementia.
For those who suffer from any sort of memory condition, you might also consider other assistive devices such as audio key finders, bluetooth trackers, GPS trackers and voice recorders to give you even more support.
Even though some of the clocks we review have reminders to take medicine, you might want to consider an automated pill dispenser for more complex dosing schedules.
Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Well-being
A specialized clock has many benefits for the individuals well-being: reduced anxiety associated with confusion of forgetting something or not knowing when a task needs to be done. Improved confidence as a result of getting tasks done on time without having to be reminded. It also offers the caregiver, family member or friend the comfort that the individual can undertake time related tasks with reduced support, and finally provides respite from being frequently asked questions relating to time, day or date.
Independence
A Dementia Clock or Alzheimer Clock with a reminder function has the added benefit of providing some instruction of exactly when a tasks needs to be carried out – for example an alarm could be set to remind the individual to take their medication at 9am. This structured routine helps build independence – a real boost to self-confidence as well.
The Shortlist: Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks
Our selection of Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks include a range of features and budgets to suit everyone. All of them have the basics, such as large digits, date & day of the week spelled out in full – along with being mains powered with a battery backup. For your specific needs or features – the comparison summary table will help you narrow down which is the right one for you.
American Lifetime Day Clock
American Lifetime Day Clock: Key Features
The American Lifetime Day Clock is from a Florida based company that specializes in assistive clocks for the elderly and those with memory conditions. They’re a socially conscious business that donates 10% of their profits to charities focussed on dementia research, social services or adult education.
The 8 inch device is clearly visible from all angles. The time is displayed in large 1.5 inches numbers, and the backlit display make it easy to read (text can be displayed in yellow or white which is a nice touch). The screen will automatically dim between the hours of 7pm & 7am – although this can be turned off if you want a bright display all day & night. Out of the box, the time is already set to EST – but easily adjusted to your own timezone.
The layout is clear and uncluttered – presenting all the important information on one screen including day & month spelled out and the part of day: morning, afternoon, evening or night – no confusing abbreviations or acronyms. For reminders and alarms there are 5 modes: once a day, every day, weekdays, weekends or none. A message can be added to each alarm from the following: –
- Take your medication
- Take your morning medication
- Take your afternoon medication
- Take your evening medication
- Take your night medication
- No message (alarm only)
American Lifetime Day Clock: What’s in the Box
- American Lifetime Day Clock
- AC adaptor + 6 foot cable
- User instructions
American Lifetime Day Clock: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Available in 5 different surrounds
- 5 daily multi-function alarms
- No questions refund if you’re not satisfied
- Hourly chime (can be turned off)
- Mains powered
- Large clear anti-glare display
- Text can be set to yellow or white
- Alarm modes: once a day, every day, weekdays, weekends or none
- 1.5 inch tall time digits
- Comes preset to Eastern Standard Time (easily adjusted to your timezone)
- Charity donation made with each purchase
- US based technical support
- Auto-dimming screen between 7pm – 7am (can be adjusted)
- Includes common alert messages
- Displays parts of the day: morning, afternoon, evening, night
- 12/24 hour format
- Can be wall mounted
- Simple menu controls and navigation
Cons
- Backup battery is not user replaceable
American Lifetime Day Clock: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The American Lifetime Day Clock comes pre-set to Eastern Standard Time – but following the included instructions is simple to adjust this.
American Lifetime pride themselves with great customer service if you do ever have any difficulties. They can be contacted by phone or email. You can also return the product for free within the first 30 days – no questions asked.
- Designed with Durable Material: The dementia clock is built to withstand daily use, making it a reliable and long-lasting aid for elderly individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's. The robust design of the clocks for seniors ensures that it can withstand accidental drops and knocks.
- Easy to read display: The day of the week clock has a large, clear display that is easy to read, ensuring that elderly individuals can easily understand the time & date. The high contrast display of digital clock large display makes it easy to read even in low light conditions.
- Simple setup: The clock with day and date for elderly is easy to set up and operate. The digital clock with date and day of week comes with an easy-to-read manual that guides the user through the setup process, so that the clock can be up and running in no time.
Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock
Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: Key Features
The Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock is from Huanuo who primarily specialize in computer monitor stands, arms and accessories. However, the one clock they do sell is full of assistive features.
In common with most of the Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks we’ve reviewed, the Huanuo measures 8 inches and has a clear anti-glare screen – viewable from almost any angle. In addition it displays the time in large, 1.5 inch high, digits – as well as spelling out day & month in capital letters and the part of day: morning, afternoon, evening & night. The auto-dim feature operates between 7pm & 7am – this can be adjusted.
A great feature is that it boasts 12 individual multi-function daily alarms – these can be used as medication reminders.
Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: What’s in the Box
- Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock
- Adapter
- User Manual
- Stand
Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Up to 12 daily alarms
- Medicine reminders
- Mains powered
- Large clear anti-glare display
- 1.5 inch tall time digits
- US based technical support
- Auto-dimming screen between 7pm – 7am (can be adjusted)
- Displays parts of the day: morning, afternoon, evening, night
- 12/24 hour format
- Can be wall mounted
- Simple menu controls on rear
Cons
- Backup battery cannot be replaced
- Black and white display only
- Only available with a black frame
Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
We had no issues setting up the Huanuo Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock following the included simple instructions. The various alarms and medicine reminders were a breeze to set using the intuitive menu buttons on the back of the clock.
If you do run into technical difficulties, Huanuo have a US based technical support team that will be happy to assist you Monday to Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm (PST) – telephone or email.
Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock
Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: Key Features
The Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock is the most feature rich clock on our shortlist.
Not only does it come with 16 predefined alarm categories, you can create up to 5 custom alarms using your own photographs, sound files or video! The predefined alarms include the following activities:
Appointment, bedtime, blood sugar test, breakfast, check doors are closed, lunch, shower, medication x 3, doctor’s appointment, drink some water, wake up, snack, feed the pets & dinner.
The large display is clear and visible from all angles – the Yueyong Day Clock has the added choice of 4 text colors: white, green, yellow & orange – plus there are 4 different display themes to choose from, including an “analogue” clock.
Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: What’s in the Box
- Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock with kickstand
- AC adapter & cable
- Day Clock Manual and Guide
Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 16 predefined activity reminders
- 5 custom alarms
- 4 display themes
- 4 texts colors
- Variable alarm shut-off (5, 30,45secs & 1, 3 & 5mins)
- Alarm modes: once a day, every day, weekdays, weekends or none
- Alarm tone: Sweet Bells Ringing
- Mains powered
- Large clear anti-glare display
- Auto-dimming screen between 10pm to 6am (can be adjusted)
- Displays parts of the day: morning, afternoon, evening, night, midnight & before dawn
- 12/24 hour format
- Can be wall mounted
Cons
- Backup battery cannot be replaced
Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock is feature rich – setting up and operating the basics, including the 16 predefined activity alarms, was easy enough. Adding custom reminders using your own pictures or sound files is a great option, however, we found this to be a little complicated & fiddley. But with 16 unique alerts – do you really need your own custom ones?
They provide customer support 7 days a week – comforting to know if you do run into technical difficulties.
- ✅【𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐃 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧】Véfaîî 8-inch large 1280x800 HD Day Date Clock clearly spells out the time and date with Sun☀️Moon🌙 icons, no confusing abbreviations! The dementia clock is built to withstand daily use, making it a reliable aid for elderly individuals!
- ✅【𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 & 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬】Not just alarm settings, but also include 19 daily reminders with colored image icons( Drink Some Water/Medications/Wash Your Hands ...etc.).! Besides, custom more reminders or messages on the clock for your special needs, it's a great time-managment system !
- ✅【𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬】The digital clock comes with ready-to-use setup and display modes are customizable. Clock can show or remove the display MORNING, AFTERNOON, EVENING, NIGHT, BEFOREDAWN. Besides, Our clock has a handy remote control and you don't always have to touch keys on the clock- So Convenient!
Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display (SPC569)
Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display (SPC569): Key Features
The Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display (SPC569) is from Sharp – a trusted household name in global consumer electronics.
This clock is probably more suited to the bedside, rather than in a larger room due to its smaller display (it can’t be wall mounted). It may be small in comparison to others in this review, however, we found it easy to read thanks to the color backlit screen. We’d have preferred a more standard font – rather than the one used that looks like a traditional/old fashioned digital clock.
This was by far the easiest clock in our showdown to operate thanks to a number of thoughtful features: –
- It’s an Atomic Clock with a built in receiver that automatically synchronizes with the WWVB radio broadcast by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Fort Collins, Colorado – this means it sets the time automatically and will always be accurate to the second.
- The menu buttons on the rear of the desktop clock are clearly labeled – no need to navigate menus.
- It has a large button on top that acts as a 3 step dimmer and snooze button.
With only two alarms it might not be suitable for alerting you to take medication throughout the day – but it keeps things simple.
Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display (SPC569): What’s in the Box
- Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display (SPC569)
- AC adaptor & cable
- User guide
Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display (SPC569): Pros and Cons
Pros
- Atomic clock synchronization
- Always accurate to within one second
- Clear color display
- Global trusted brand
- Great value
- 3 step dimmer control
- Easy to operate
- Mains powered
- 12/24 hour format
- User replaceable backup battery
- Daylight savings time
- Ascending alarm volume
- Snooze/Dimmer switch on top
Cons
- Smaller text – maybe better suited as a bedside clock
- 2 daily alarms
- Available in silver only
- “Digital” font – not as clear as standard fonts
- Cannot be wall mounted
Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display (SPC569): MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
The Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display stands out from the rest of the Dementia Clocks and Alzheimer Clocks in our showdown for a number of reasons, firstly it’s the only Atomic Clock – so you will never need set the clock. Secondly, it has no complex features/reminders requiring complicated settings or adjustment. The menu buttons on the rear of the clock are clearly labeled and easy to use. The inclusion of the Dimmer/Snooze button on top makes operation very easy.
As it manufactured by one of the worlds largest consumer electronics companies – it has great customer services and technical support.
- Color Atomic Alarm Clock - Accurate to the Second! The Atomic Clock has a built in receiver that automatically synchronizes itself with the WWVB radio broadcast by the US Government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Atomic Clock will always be accurate to within on second as it receives daily WWVB updates.
- Color Calendar and Day of Week Display - Always know what day of the week it is with a quick glance. The clock displays the calendar and the day of the week. Using the Snooze/Dimmer switch on top of the display, you can easily adjust the display brightness to your liking.
- EASY TO SET DUAL ALARM - Set alarm for two people, or set one alarm for weekdays and the other for weekend!. Snooze/Dimmer Switch is simple to use and on top of the display.
Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock
Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: Key Features
The Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock is an aesthetically pleasing clock – surrounded by a traditional wooden frame – but if you want something more contemporary, then Jall also sell this model with a white or black frame.
Whether you position it on a table-top/shelf or hang it on your wall – the 8 inch device will be clearly visible from all angles. The font is large at 1.5 inches, and the backlit black and white monochrome display make it easy to read – during hours of darkness the clock display will dim automatically – however, the auto-dim mode can be turned off if you prefer it bright throughout the day and night.
The uncluttered information includes everything you need, including day & month spelled out in capital letters and the part of day: morning, afternoon, evening, night & predawn shown just above the time.
One minor drawback is the lack of a user replaceable back-up battery, however, this battery is not required for daily operation – only in the event of a power cut to ensure the time is kept correctly when the mains power is restored.
For reminders and alarms there are 5 modes: once a day, every day, weekdays, weekends or none.
Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: What’s in the Box
- Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock
- AC adaptor & cable
- User instructions
Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Mains powered
- Large clear display
- 1.5 inch tall time digits
- Auto-dimming screen (can be turned off)
- Available with a stylish wooden frame
- Displays parts of the day: morning, afternoon, evening, night & predawn
- 5 reminder alarm modes
- 12/24 hour format
- Can be wall mounted
- Simple menu controls on rear
Cons
- Built-in backup battery cannot be replaced
- Black and white display only
Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock: MeemawTech Key Criteria
Ease of use
As you’d expect with a reasonably simple device like a clock, set-up was straightforward following the instructions step-by-step. Setting reminders on the Jall Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock following the user guide was also simple. The menu buttons are on the rear of the clock are easy to navigate.
Although there is no dedicated support website for Jall, the seller “Three Ducks Direct” can be contacted by email, and will respond should you have any technical problems.
- 【Large Screen Display】- 8" High Resolution Digital Alarm Clock clearly spells out the time, date, month. It's clear enough to look at the time far away. -*** The clock is not battery operated.***
- 【Multiple Alarm Settings】- There're 2-5 alarm settings available. It's the best clock to remind medicine taken throughout the day for the aged.
- 【Auto-Dimming Option】- The clock auto dims during the night at 7:00 pm (Mid Brightness or Low Brightness options) and brightens up during the day at 7:00 am (High Brightness). It also has the option to turn off the auto-dimming function, which is convenient for the people who prefer high brightness all the day.
Conclusion
The two that stood out for us were the American Lifetime Day Clock – we loved the feature list and build quality – the charitable donations are thoughtful and considerate. The Yueyong Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock had an impressive array of predefined reminders and the ability to add your own custom alerts will appeal to many.
For my own personal needs I opted for the Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock with Color Display – worth considering if you want a simple/cheap/accurate bedside clock.