About MMRTD Project
Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. According to the World Health Organization, the number of patients with dementia worldwide is currently estimated at 55 million, expected to increase to 139 million by 2050.
Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the cognitive abilities of elderly individuals worldwide. With the global population aging, dementia is becoming more prevalent, presenting challenges for healthcare systems and caregivers.
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in preventing and treating dementia due to its nature. Virtual reality is an immersive and interactive human-computer interface with real-time simulation that is a promising tool for improving cognitive functioning.
To address the challenges faced by the elderly with dementia, I developed an innovative application named MMRTD - Multi-sensory Mixed Reality Therapy for Dementia. This award-winning solution enables elderly patients to simultaneously enhance their physical and cognitive abilities through three therapy approaches. It offers an immersive virtual environment that incorporates olfaction, auditory, and visual stimuli, making it accessible to them at any time and from anywhere simply with a VR headset.
Ingrid Chan, Founder of MMRTD
Ingrid is a senior student at the German Swiss International School (GSIS) in Hong Kong. Despite her young age, she is dedicated to contributing to the field of cognitive science and technology. As an inventor, she loves exploring new solutions integrating innovation and technology.
One of Ingrid's notable achievements is the application "Multi-sensory Mixed Reality Therapy for Dementia, MMRTD." This project offers both cognitive and physical therapy for elderly patients, supporting them anytime and anywhere. In recognition of her work, she became the first secondary school student to receive the Gold Medal with the Congratulations of the Jury at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. Additionally, Ingrid was honored with the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Award on behalf of Hong Kong.
Ingrid's accomplishments extend beyond her project. She was recognized as the Winner of the Hong Kong Outstanding Student Award 2022 and The Student of the Year 2022/23 Scientist and Mathematician Award. Her dedication to science and technology has led her to become involved in various organizations. Ingrid serves as a Youth Advisory Board member of JYC Girls Impact Foundation, where she plays an active role in shaping the future for girls in the digital world. She also acts as a teaching assistant for the 10,000 Girls4Girls Coding+ Scheme, inspiring and guiding the next generation of aspiring coders. Ingrid's engagement in the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation's YouthSpark Program further showcases her commitment to fostering innovation in her community.
In her pursuit of knowledge and experience, Ingrid has undertaken internships that have enriched her skills. She contributed as a research assistant for the BrainLive project at the University of Hong Kong, delving into the fascinating world of neuroscience. She honed her expertise as a content development intern for the STEM x Gerontechnology education program at BNET-Tech, further solidifying her passion for merging science and technology.
Ingrid hopes to inspire others to make a difference in their community, no matter how big or small, and to turn passion into action.