DUBIN, OHIO -- Millions of Americans have a family member or loved one who is suffering from some sort of memory loss. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, approximately 30 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. Now, a senior living community in Ohio is doing something to help trigger those lost memories, and give families a little ride back in time. 

"Oh it’s very cool when it triggers…all of the sudden you can see the light bulb come on and then off we go…we’ve got a little bit of a memory and we can extrapolate from there.”

Charlie Stenner has a parent with memory loss. His mother, pat, lives at Senior Star in Dublin and has her good days and bad, but today was a good day….

"I’m remembering…” Pat tells Charlie. 

“Gram…your mom.” Charlie says encouragingly. 

“Oh yes! Of course…Gram…she was a part of us we couldn’t do without Gram…she always had dinner ready when we were coming home…she was such a sweetheart.” Pat says to her son with joy and amazement. 

BikeAround is a new technology offered at all senior stars in the U.S. , three of which are in Ohio, that gives the elderly a virtual ride down memory lane. Stimulating memories from their past as they drive down the streets they used to live, work and walk on.Leaving those who partake in it feeling happier and healthier. 

“Yes…you see the smile right now? That smile wasn’t there earlier this morning so the fact that we went through some of these thoughts, had some of the memories come up, the fact that Murphy (a therapy dog) joined us…that’s always a good time…and she does feed him but don’t tell anyone.” 

Murphy was just an added bonus today…

The technology is run by google maps and has the ability to take you anywhere in the world. 

“Anyone with dementia or alzheimers or even independent living residents, it’s universal it’s nationwide. If they’ve traveled abroad they can put in an address and see it.”

For Senior Star Executive Director Ron Keller, this initiative was something he played an integral part in getting the wheels spinning, as it hits close to home.

“Well a lot of my ​aunts and uncles have it…my mother has alzheimers as well and lived here in the community and when she would get on the bike it would just bring back the memories as you saw with pat. It would stir up those memories…you know my mother doesn’t even know my name…recognizes my face but doesn’t know my name…sometimes thinks I’m her husband and so having those memories come back you’re able to have those conversations and reminisce…plus she’s getting exercise which is so important as well.”

The stationary bike provides exercise while reminiscing and discovering—benefiting the seniors’ mental and physical health—with positives like lower levels of anxiety and depression, reducing the risk of falls, and an overall sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

For Pat, it was a day spent with her son, that even if just for 30 minutes, brought them back together…just like old times. 

“It was a good time for us….it was for me…I think you too charlie, and the boys.” says Pat. 

Charlie smiles in agreement and says, “it was…”

"They were in heaven…it was so much fun!”