Credits: Social Media
The future of AI seems terrifying but it could be a game-changer for people with Dementia
Harbinger of Doom or Silver Bullet? Or neither? AI can play many roles in our lives, and not all of them are as monstrous or miraculous �as fiction would have us believe.
It eats away at us in the little ways, such as by seducing the ones we love, or making us feel inadequate by telling us which songs we simply must know& But there are reasons to be optimistic about the difference artificial intelligence might be able to play in peoples lives. Here’s one that has to do with the health and wellbeing of dementia patients.
AI could make life easier for people who suffer from dementia
Neurological disorders such as Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and other forms of dementia afflict about 15% of the global population, according to the NIH.�
While there isnt a known cure for many of the most common brain disorders, there are sufferers of neurodegenerative diseases who are finding a way to harness the power of artificial intelligence to make their lives easier.
“If people incorporate the benefits of using AI into their lives, one dementia patient told the BBC for a piece on the potential benefits of AI for people with cognitive impairments, it will be good for their self-respect and self-esteem.
Not only this, but 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.
Who are Simon and Florence?
Simon is an app that uses geo-tracking and machine learning to work out what specific users need at particular times of the day and provides notifications that might help in some way.
Fiona Carragher, who works at the Alzheimers Society, told the BBC this could include reminding individuals of a PIN when the app detects they are at the bank. Simon is currently undergoing beta testing.
The Florence Project, meanwhile, works to develop communication technologies for anyone living with dementia.
The BBC quotes Janet Wiles, a professor of human-centered computing, as saying: Were 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.
The Florence Project has already developed 3 devices
The Florence Projects team includes a Living Experience Expert Panel, filled with people living with dementia and the people who care for them.
So far, the organization has developed three devices: a diary, a music player, and a digital photo screen.
Each device serves a single function, so as not to be confusing to the user. Theyre easy to use, and have physical elements like buttons and knobs, following advice from the Living Experience Expert Panel.
Artificial intelligence helps personalize these tools, according to the BBC: A knowledge bank is built for each person, based on questions they answer or conversations they have. Audio is transcribed and in some cases translated, before feeding into the kinds of information that are made available on the devices.
The diary could display a picture of a particular carer next to their appointment note, for example. AI-based chatbots can be used to help people feel companionship.
So, next time youre having a conversation about AI with a friend, remember that not all scenarios featuring machine learning bring about the end of the world!
