Can AI Enhance the Lives of People with Dementia?

Pete Middleton, a resident of Northamptonshire, UK, has embraced technology throughout his life, starting from his time in the Royal Air Force in the 1980s. With a passion for computing, he has learned multiple programming languages and recently turned his attention to the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Middleton utilizes AI for various tasks, including editing photographs, translating text messages, and conducting research.

Now 70 and diagnosed with dementia five years ago, Middleton has experienced noticeable changes in his short-term memory. Despite his ability to write mobile apps, he struggles with everyday tasks, such as remembering where he placed his phone. He believes AI could play a crucial role in supporting individuals with dementia, helping them maintain their independence longer and ultimately reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

“There are numerous AI-based tools designed to assist people living with dementia,” Middleton asserts. One such tool is Simon, an app that uses geo-tracking and machine learning to cater to individual users’ needs. According to Fiona Carragher, the director of research and influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, Simon can send timely reminders based on context, such as recalling a PIN at a bank.

Another noteworthy initiative is the Florence Project, aimed at developing effective communication technologies for those living with dementia. Janet Wiles, a professor at Australia’s University of Queensland and a member of the Florence Project team, emphasizes that the goal is not to replace human interactions but to enhance them. The project includes a Living Experience Expert Panel composed of individuals with dementia and their caregivers to ensure the technology meets real-world needs.

The Florence Project has already produced three user-friendly devices: a diary, a music player, and a digital photo frame. These devices are designed with simplicity in mind, featuring physical controls like knobs and buttons. They also allow remote updates by family members, enabling caregivers to maintain connections even from afar. For example, a family member can update the music playlist on the music player, provided the user consents.

Personalization is a key aspect of these tools. Each device builds a knowledge base tailored to the user, using information gleaned from conversations or responses to questions. This could mean that a diary displays a photo of a new caregiver next to their expected arrival time, or that information is simplified based on the user’s changing needs.

Prof. Wiles stresses the importance of caution in this area, noting that the consequences of malfunctioning technology can be far more serious for those with dementia than for the general population. Data privacy and security are particularly critical, given the vulnerabilities of this group.

In addition to standalone devices, AI is being integrated into companion robots. Hiro-chan, a soft, faceless therapy robot, aims to provide comfort and reduce stress in individuals with dementia. Researchers are exploring the addition of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to enhance the robots’ interactions, while keeping the overall weight under 800 grams for ease of use.

Initial tests in care homes showed that simpler dialogues with the robots were more engaging for residents than previously anticipated. However, experts caution that AI should never replace the essential human contact in dementia care. “AI should enhance the care experience for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers,” stresses Carragher.

Dennis Frost, a retired programmer and member of the Florence Project’s expert panel, emphasizes the importance of social interaction for those diagnosed with dementia. He argues that fostering human connections should take precedence over increasing reliance on AI. “Would an AI truly care if I lived or died?” he asks.

While Middleton recognizes the potential of AI, he insists that any technology developed for people with dementia must be customizable to meet diverse needs. “No two people with dementia are the same,” he explains. What works for one person may not be effective for another, highlighting the necessity for developers to consider the specific stages of dementia and align their products with individuals’ capabilities.

As AI continues to evolve, its potential to assist individuals with dementia is promising. However, the technology must be designed with care, ensuring that it complements human interactions and enhances the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.