An artificial memory aid that mimics the way the human brain replays verbal information could help people with brain damage, Alzheimer’s or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The handheld device is modelled on a function of the brain known as the “phonological loop.” It has a microphone and controls for recording and playing audio.

To use it, a user presses “record” and says a phrase they want to keep in mind. The aid repeats this phrase at intervals of two minutes or, in another mode, it prompts the user to repeat the phrase at the similar intervals.