AI developed to make life easier

Pete Middleton, who lives in Northamptonshire, UK, with his wife, has long been an early adopter of technology.

He became interested in computing while in the Royal Air Force in the 1980s and later learned several programming languages.

In recent years, he has been enthusiastic about the rise of AI, which he uses to edit photos, translate text messages and perform searches.

Overall, Mr. Middleton is enjoying a successful retirement. In addition to his hobbies and dementia blog, he is a lived experience consultant, committee member and volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Society.

Since his dementia diagnosis five years ago, at the age of 65, he has noticed changes in his short-term memory. For example: “I can still write apps for mobile phones, but I can’t remember where I put my phone. »

Mr. Middleton believes that AI could help bridge this gap.

“If people integrate 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 longer. And if that happens, it will keep them away from the NHS system and out of care homes.

A number of AI-based tools offer to help with the daily activities of people with dementia.

One of them is Simon, an app that uses geolocation and machine learning to determine a user’s specific needs and provide notifications that might help them.

“For example, this could include reminding individuals of a PIN when the app detects that they are at the bank,” says Fiona Carragher, director of research and influence at the Alzheimer’s Society. Simon is currently in beta testing.

A long-standing program in this area is the Florence Project. The Florence project aims to develop useful communication technologies for people with dementia.

“We are looking at the question of maintaining strong communication, not replacing communication between family, caregivers and people with dementia, but rather supporting it,” explains Janet Wiles, professor of computer-centered computing. on humans at the University of Queensland in Australia. .

Professor Wiles, whose own mother lives with dementia, is part of a team working on the Florence Project.

The team wants to prevent its products from ending up in a drawer of unused and overly complicated devices.

As such, it includes a life experience panel of experts, made up of people living with dementia and those who help care for them.

The project developed three devices: a diary, a music player and a digital photo screen. These are single-function, easy-to-use devices with physical elements such as buttons or buttons that also incorporate the preferences of life experience experts.

Device content can be adjusted locally or remotely. For example, a loved one living in another part of the country can update the playlist on the music player, if the person with dementia gives permission.

AI helps personalize these tools. A knowledge bank is built for each person, based on the questions they answer or the conversations they have. The audio is transcribed, and in some cases translated, before feeding into the types of information made available on the devices.

For example, the calendar device might display the photo of a new part-time caregiver next to the time they arrive.

Needs and preferences may change depending on their condition. So, for example, the information contained in the log can be simplified to meet the user’s needs.

The team was keen not to rush the development process: the project has been underway for around a decade already and is now at the testing stage of its prototypes.

“The downsides of technology that doesn’t work for people with dementia are often much worse than for other people,” warns Professor Wiles.

She emphasizes that data privacy and security are particularly important for people with dementia.

AI-based chatbots are also being integrated into companion robots. Hiro-chan is a faceless, cuddly, gentle therapy robot; researchers believe that interacting with Hiro-chan reduces stress in people with dementia.

They are currently working on integrating ChatGPT into the bots, along with speakers and microphones. The total weight would remain less than 800 grams.

In initial tests with people with dementia living in retirement homes, “we found that simpler dialogue than expected would be more engaging for more of them,” explains Hidenobu Sumioka, a roboticist at the International Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute in Kyoto.

However, “it is essential that AI does not replace the human touch that is so important in dementia care,” says Ms Carragher. “Instead, it should be used to improve care in a way that is beneficial for people with dementia and their carers.” »

Dennis Frost, a retired programmer who served on the Florence Project’s life experience panel, emphasizes that social engagement is very important for people diagnosed with dementia.

“I would say that increasing human interaction should be a priority rather than increasing interaction with AI. After all, would an AI really care if I survived or died? »

Mr Middleton sees great promise in AI, but stresses that any technology for people with dementia must be customizable for a diverse set of people.

“No two people with dementia are the same,” says Mr Middleton. “What works for me may not work for my next door neighbor who has dementia.”

“So developers need to be very careful when developing products, not only to target the dementia community in general, but also to research the specific stages of dementia and try to match what they’re doing with the capabilities of the person.”