Patients who experience severe memory loss due to brain injury may be encouraged to use a portable touch screen device. Researchers from the Royal Rehabilitation Center in Sydney found that patients can remember daily tasks such as taking medication and recalling names and faces.

Chief Investigator, Belinda Carr, states that patients who were using smart technology had “significant fewer memory failures”. The study was conducted from 2006 and 2009 and involved 42 people with brain injuries. The severity ranged from severe memory problems to moderate memory impairments.

Most of the patients were men the age of 35. A previous study showed that diaries also help people with brain injuries; smart technology in a way is the more advanced version of diaries. However, it’s not that stylish to be carrying around a diary, especially when 25-year-old men are the most common to suffer from brain injuries. Carrying around an iPhone is stylish and makes them feel as if there is nothing wrong with them.

The advanced technology allows people to act more independently. Devices like the iPhone can remind people to do proper tasks and help them get back to work. Carr states that there are many useful apps for her clients. Eventually people will see more patients with iPhones and iPads.