ADVANCING DEMENTIA CARE: THE ROLE OF AI AND DIGITAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Al must be used as a tool to empower and assist people with dementia without sacrificing human connection or dignity.

- Dr. Annu Aggarwal

The term “dementia” refers to conditions that affect memory, thinking, and daily activities in individuals. According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. The symptoms of dementia typically get worse over time, which means that not only the lives of the individuals with dementia, but also that of their families and caregivers are affected.

Early detection and management are crucial and diagnosing dementia early helps in implementing steps to slow cognitive decline and address factors like depression or sleep problems that might worsen brain health. An early diagnosis also lets individuals and families plan for the future and make informed decisions about care, improving safety and quality of life.

How does Artificial Intelligence (AI) come into the picture? AI allows machines to learn from data, recognize patterns, make decisions, and even carry-on basic conversations. For example, an AI system can learn to recognize images (like telling apart different faces or objects) or understand spoken language. In dementia care, AI can help in multiple ways, powering a range of gadgets, tools, and applications that can assist doctors, patients, and caregivers in various ways.

Today AI-powered digital health solutions are being applied to many aspects of dementia care, from early detection of the disease to daily support for those living with dementia and their caregivers. Below are some key areas where AI is making a difference:

EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS