The Cognitive Books story
Matt Singleton has vivid, joyful memories of his father, Brian, reading books on summer holidays… but Alzheimer’s Disease means Brian finds focusing on the evolving plot of a story challenging. Matt searched for a suitable book but nothing worked for his dad. As a gerontologist with strong knowledge of dementia and vast experience in innovation, Matt saw a problem and solved it!
After creating the first book, Matt shared this with people living with dementia, before improving the concept and creating more sophisticated versions. Leading experts, such as Professor Gill Livingston and Adelina Comas-Herrera, were impressed with Cognitive Books and recommended Matt enter the 2023-24 Alzheimer’s Society Accelerator Programme.
The Singleton Family
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Brian reading on holiday
Brian and Colleen Singleton
The inspiration behind Cognitive Books
In collaboration with Alzheimer's Society, Cognitive Books have been co-developed with people living with dementia, their supporters and dementia professionals. The initial versions have been improved through extensive research including frequently consulting with a ‘lived experience’ panel, and testing with focus groups and surveys to provide insights to improve the book’s format and content. Read more about ‘The research behind Cognitive Books’.
Cognitive Books has since gone from strength to strength with the launch of ‘looking back at ... The Beatles’ and subsequent titles being published.