Cork teen to showcase ‘dementia shield’ using smart glasses

A Cork teenager is set to showcase his award-winning dementia shield prototype at this year’s International Dementia Conference.

William Brosnan, a secondary school student from Scoil Mhuire in Kanturk, won the SciFest junior technologist of the future award in November 2025 and the BD STEM Stars software award last month.

His dementia shield project utilises AI and augmented reality with the aim of supporting quality of life for people living with dementia and potentially slowing down the progression of the disease by reducing anxiety and stress.

William has built two applications that utilise augmented reality smart glasses and AI that aim to reduce anxiety and stress in social situations for people with dementia. Both technologies work in tandem to remind people of time and place, answer questions, recognise faces, and provide gentle orientation supports. The app can also dial emergency contacts and share the user’s location if required.

William said: 

“Together, these two tools aim to guide daily routines, support memory, and give independence. By reducing stress, answering repeated questions calmly, giving reminders, and guiding with GPS, the dementia shield may help to slow down the progression of dementia.”

The conference, now in its 18th year, will take place on May 13 and 14 at Athlone Springs Hotel and is organised by Engaging Dementia and supported by Dovida.

Those attending will hear from people living with dementia, family carers and supporters, industry-leading researchers, professors, and healthcare professionals.

Kim Tully, CEO of Engaging Dementia, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring so many people together again to highlight some of the incredible work being conducted in the field of dementia care. There are over 60,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. That figure is predicted to grow to 145,000 over the next 20 years, so it is vital that we continue to develop innovative techniques and therapies to help them and their families.”