Award-winning teen to present AI Dementia Shield at Athlone conference

An award-winning Irish teenager is set to showcase his Dementia Shield prototype at this year’s International Dementia Conference in Athlone.

The conference takes place at the Athlone Springs Hotel on the Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14.

William Brosnan, a secondary school student from Scoil Mhuire in Kanturk, Cork won the SciFest Junior Technologist of the Future Award in November 2025 and the BD STEM Stars Software Award last month.

William’s Dementia Shield project utilises Artificial Intelligence 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 built two applications that utilise Augmented Reality Smart Glasses and Artificial Intelligence that aim to reduce anxiety and stress in social situations for people with dementia.

Both technologies work in tandem to remind people of time, 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.

“Together, these two tools aim to guide daily routines, support memory, and give independence,” William said.

“By reducing stress, answering repeated questions calmly, giving reminders, and guiding with GPS, Dementia Shield may help to slow down the progression of dementia."

Now in its 18th year, the International Dementia Conference, which is organised by Engaging Dementia and proudly supported by Dovida, aims to bridge worlds in dementia care and connect global perspectives with local solutions.

Those attending will hear from people living with dementia, family carers and supporters, industry-leading researchers, professors and healthcare professionals. This year’s theme is “Let’s Keep Connecting”.

“Many of the clients we care for and support are people living with dementia, and we are always exploring new ways to improve our services for them and their families,” said Dr Kathy McLoughlin, Director of Disability Services at Dovida.

“This conference provides a space to share ideas and learn from those with first-hand experience of living with dementia and experts in the field. We are proud to support Engaging Dementia and share their vision for an inclusive society where people living with dementia are actively engaged in their community."

To view the full line-up and book tickets, go to International Dementia Conference 2026 | Engaging Dementia