Research Shows Chronicle's Snapshot Memory Box can Make a Positive Difference in the Health and Well-being of Older People, including Dementia

At Chronicle, we believe in the power of personal stories and familiar voices —and now, thanks to a recent research evaluation in partnership with the University of Suffolk, we are pleased to present evidence that our Snapshot Memory Box can make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and their loved ones.

Backed by a grant from Innovate UK, our six-month study explored how our bespoke audio photo frames could support well-being in older people, including those living with early-stage dementia, Alzheimer’s, or facing loneliness and isolation. The results were very positive.

📦 What Is the Snapshot Memory Box?

The Snapshot Memory Box looks like a beautifully crafted wooden photo cube, but the real magic lies in what you hear. Each Snapshot Box can be personalised with a cherished photograph and an audio recording—perhaps a child’s voice, a favourite memory, or a poem read by a grandchild. With one touch, the memory comes to life with high quality audio. Simple. Intuitive. And deeply personal.

💬 What the Research Told Us

The evaluation used surveys, interviews, and focus groups to hear directly from users, carers, and families. Here’s what we learned:

✅ Emotional & Social Benefits

Most users found the box easy to use and emotionally meaningful. It lifted moods, helped users feel closer to loved ones, and sparked conversations—especially for those living with early-stage dementia.

🎁 A Gift That Connects

Gifting a Memory Box became an act of love. Many gifters said it brought joy and comfort—not only to the person receiving it, but to everyone involved in creating it.

“It makes me feel warm inside… I feel as though everyone is there with me in the room.”

“My mum said that ‘everyone should have one of these.”

🧠 Best for Early-Stage Dementia

The research highlighted the importance of timing. The Snapshot Box is most impactful for those in the early stages of cognitive decline, when memories are still accessible and emotional connection remains strong.

👪 A Collective Experience

As Dr Abigail Webb from the University of Suffolk described it as follows:

“The Snapshot Memory Box is so important not just for the people who use the device, but for those who create it. It’s often a shared activity that brings people together through meaningful conversations and storytelling. Our research unequivocally showed the positive impact of the Snapshot Memory Box.”

This sentiment was echoed by many gifters, who spoke about the joy and emotional impact of contributing to something so personal. It often opened new channels of communication between generations and provided a lasting way to remember and reconnect.

❤️ Real Words from Real Users

Here are just a few things people shared about their experience with the Memory Box:

“It opened up conversation after listening to it. It’s nice to go down memory lane.”

“It was great to see my wife's satisfaction and pleasure from that. Really rewarding.”

“On her down days when family aren’t visiting, the audio makes her face light up.”

🎧 It’s Not Just a Photo Frame. It’s a Moment.

In a time when we are all seeking more meaningful ways to connect, especially with older loved ones, the Snapshot Memory Box offers something simple, yet profound: a voice from the past that brings comfort in the present.

Whether used in dementia care, as a memory tool, or simply as a heartfelt gift, the Memory Box continues to show us that technology, when guided by empathy and story, can truly make a difference.

If you'd like to learn more about the research, take part in a future trial, or order a box for someone special, please contact us at: info@chroniclestories.co.uk

Bring stories to life—one memory, one voice, one box at a time.