A TRAFFORD care company is using the latest technology in a pioneering technique to fight the onset of dementia.

The effects of dementia can be treated and in some cases delayed with the right sort of mental and physical stimulation, and care home owner and inventor Dan Lingard has come up with an innovative new approach.

He is the creator of a specialist patient monitoring system called MyAmego which promotes and monitors a healthy lifestyle while also giving patients their freedom and ensuring their safety.

With MyAmego, the patient carries a unique electronic fob which enables the care team to monitor their movements, not just for safety, but also to accurately assess their activity levels - a crucial part of therapy.

Altrincham-based Dan, a former software developer working with IBM and the BBC, said: "An approach that combines mental and physical stimulation and technology can help delay the onset of dementia.

"The issue for care service providers is driving stimulating activity, but also monitoring it as well. Getting people with dementia using their minds and muscles - even in small ways - can have a massively positive effect."

The intelligent system analyses a patient's location, activity level and risk in relation to their individual needs or circumstances - and will page, text or email carers for assistance when appropriate.

A carer can also log on to the MyAmego reporting system at any time and look at a mobility report that can then be analysed to help tailor a patient's therapy.

And it can be set to issue alerts if a patient is in an unsafe location, needs to take medication or any other reason.

Dan added: "There is an enormous amount we are and should be doing, in far more inventive ways, to support and care for those people and families living with dementia.

"We are currently developing a consumer version which will run off a mobile phone. That is the holy grail."

MyAmego has won industry awards including new product of the year award at Naidex 2008, which covers the UK homecare, rehabilitation and disability market. It has 18 employees and a £420,000 turnover.