The Role of AI in Supporting Individuals with Dementia

Pete Middleton, a resident of Northamptonshire, UK, with his wife, has consistently embraced new technologies. His interest in computing began during his service in the Royal Air Force in the 1980s, leading him to master multiple programming languages. More recently, he has shown great enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI), utilizing it for activities such as generating artwork and performing research. Mr Middleton maintains an active retirement schedule. Beyond his personal interests and his dementia blog, he contributes as a lived-experience consultant, committee member, and volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Society. Following his dementia diagnosis five years prior, at the age of 65, he has observed alterations in his short-term memory. He illustrates this by stating, “I can still write apps for mobile phones, but I can’t remember where I put my telephone.” Mr Middleton is of the opinion that AI has the potential to address these memory challenges. He remarked, “If people incorporate the benefits of using AI into their lives, it will be good for their self-respect and self-esteem, and it will keep them independent for longer. And if it does that, it keeps them out of the NHS system and out of care homes.” Several AI-powered tools are being developed to assist individuals with dementia in their daily activities. One such application is Simon, which employs geo-tracking and machine learning to identify a user’s particular requirements and deliver helpful notifications. Fiona Carragher, the director of research and influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, explained, “For example, this could include reminding individuals of a PIN when the app detects they are at the bank.” Simon is presently undergoing beta testing. The Florence Project represents a long-standing initiative in this field. Its objective is to create beneficial communication technologies for those living with dementia. Janet Wiles, a professor in human-centred computing at Australia’s University of Queensland, stated, “We’re looking at this issue of keeping communication strong – so, not replacing communication between family and carers and people living with dementia, but rather supporting it.” Professor Wiles, whose mother also experiences dementia, is a member of the team contributing to the Florence Project. The team is committed to ensuring their creations do not become overly complex or unused devices. Consequently, the project incorporates a Living Experience Expert Panel, comprising individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. This project has yielded three distinct devices: a diary, a music player, and a digital photo screen. These are designed as user-friendly, single-purpose tools featuring tactile components such as knobs or buttons, and they incorporate the input from the living experience experts. The information displayed on these devices can be modified either on-site or from a distance. For example, a family member residing elsewhere in the country can refresh the music player’s playlist, provided the individual with dementia grants authorization. AI plays a role in customizing these instruments. A unique knowledge bank is compiled for each user, drawing from their responses to questions or their conversations. Audio content is transcribed and, in certain instances, translated, before being integrated into the information presented on the devices. As an illustration, the diary device could show a photograph of a new part-time carer alongside their scheduled arrival time. As an individual’s condition evolves, their needs and preferences may also shift. Consequently, the diary’s information can be streamlined to align with the user’s current requirements. The team has deliberately taken a measured approach to development; the project has been active for approximately ten years and is currently in the prototype testing phase. Professor Wiles warned, “The downside for tech that goes wrong for people with dementia is often way worse than it would be for other people.” She underscored the critical importance of data privacy and security for individuals with dementia. Furthermore, AI-driven chatbots are being incorporated into companion robots. Hiro-chan, a faceless, soft, and huggable therapy robot, is thought by researchers to alleviate stress in individuals with dementia through interaction. Efforts are now underway to integrate ChatGPT, speakers, and microphones into these robots, while maintaining a total weight under 800 grams. During preliminary trials involving individuals with dementia residing in care homes, Hidenobu Sumioka, a roboticist at Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Kyoto, reported, “we found that a simpler dialogue than we expected would be more engaging for more of them.” Nevertheless, Ms Carragher emphasized, “it’s critical that AI doesn’t replace the human contact that is so important in dementia care.” She added, “Instead, it should be used to enhance care in a way that is beneficial to people living with dementia and their carers.” Dennis Frost, a retired programmer and member of the Florence Project’s Living Experience Expert Panel, highlighted the significant role of social engagement for individuals diagnosed with dementia. He commented, “I would suggest increasing human interaction should be a priority over increasing AI interaction. After all would an AI actually care if I lived or died?” While Mr Middleton perceives substantial potential in AI, he stresses that any technologies developed for individuals with dementia need to be adaptable to a wide range of users. Mr Middleton stated, “No two people with dementia are the same.” He continued, “What works for me won’t work perhaps for my next-door neighbour, who has dementia.” He concluded, “So developers must be very careful when they’re developing products to not just target the dementia community in general, but look for the specific stages of dementia and try and make up match up what they do with the person’s ability.”