App launches to prevent distressed behaviours in dementia patients

A support app, which helps identify and prevent distressed behaviours in dementia patients, will launch in care homes as part of the Alzheimer’s Society business growth programme.

Up to 90% of people living with dementia, or their caregivers, will experience issues with behaviour as a result of dementia according to research by Zhang et al.

Less Distress, designed by emwillcare, uses behavioural science and digital care planning to analyse environmental factors, routines, and triggers, and provide insights into what might be causing agitation, aggression, or withdrawal.

The initial launch of Less Distress in September 2025 will focus on care home pilots and early adopters within the health and social care sector, with a phased expansion to NHS and community-based care teams. 

Caregivers log observations and events, and over time the system learns from these entries, identifying common triggers, times of day, or environmental factors linked to distress.

This process highlights when distress might happen and suggests reasons why a behaviour is occurring, such as discomfort, boredom, loneliness, or other unmet needs.

Dr Ella Moonan-Howard, senior innovator at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “If we can understand the causes of distress and meet people’s needs, then we can improve people’s care and quality of life.  

 “Tools like this can help to ensure that people delivering care are skilled, supported, and able to continue their role, with the needs of people who are living with dementia at the heart of what they do.  

“We’re delighted to be supporting Less Distress as part of our innovation work where we endeavour to ensure that everyone at every stage of dementia has increased choice; access to timely care and support; and an improved quality and control over their life.” 

Dr Emma Williams, founder and chief executive of emwillcare, is one of 80 registered behaviour analysts in the world who specialise in supporting people living with dementia. 

Williams took part in the Alzheimer’s Society 2024/2025 Launchpad programme — an intensive business growth programme that will showcase Less Distress on a global scale, with the involvement of a community of people living with dementia and their carers. 

She said: “Through innovation, education, and collaboration, we are shifting dementia care from reactive crisis management to proactive, person-first solutions — and I’m proud to be leading the way in this field. 

“We also know that no two people experience dementia the same way — so why should their care be generic?

“We respect individuality, putting the person first, and looking beyond the condition. 

“Every small win in independence is a big step in maintaining dignity for someone with dementia.”

Williams is due to begin a six-month pilot role as a ’behaviour analyst-in-residence’ in September 2025, embedding behavioural expertise into two North Wales hospitals by analysing what triggers distress in patients and how small changes to the environment or communication can reduce behaviours such as agitation, aggression, and withdrawal.

Meanwhile, Neu Health and Hydro Care have been chosen for development by the Alzheimer’s Society’s Accelerator programme and will be supported through the process of bringing their innovation to market in 2026.